Columbia Under Winter Storm Warning

Keep your snow boots handy, Columbia The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Howard County, effective from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 7 p.m. Thursday.

The winter storm warning calls for heavy snow in much of central Maryland, with accumulations from 6 to 10 inches.

Severe winter weather conditions are anticipated that will make travel dangerous; only travel in an emergency during the warning period, according to the weather service.

Wednesday morning and afternoon: Occasional rain showers, with 0.25 to 0.5 inch possible. The high is 42 degrees in Columbia. As rain mixes with melting snow, localized flooding is possible.

Wednesday night: Rain will turn to freezing rain, sleet and snow; 1 to 3 inches of snow/sleet may accumulate.

Thursday morning and afternoon: The heaviest snow will fall late Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon, according to the weather service. Approximately 4 to 8 inches of snow are possible Thursday, the forecast shows.

Wind chills Thursday will be below freezing, the weather service reports..