Maryland Winter Storm Update: Heavy Snowfall, Sleet, and Freezing Rain Expected
Maryland is currently experiencing heavy snowfall as part of a significant snowstorm, with snow accumulating at a rate of 1-2 inches per hour. The snow is expected to transition to sleet and freezing rain by mid-morning, according to Meteorologist Ava Marie. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the area, lasting from Saturday night through Monday.
By 7:30 a.m., around 5.2 inches of snow had already accumulated in the Baltimore area. The snow conditions are expected to result in 6-10 inches of snow accumulation for most of Baltimore, with up to a foot in the northern and northwestern suburbs. Additionally, there may be 1-2 inches of sleet included in the snow totals and a trace to 0.2 inches of freezing rain on top of the snow and sleet.
The snowfall began late Saturday and intensified into Sunday morning, leading to deteriorating road conditions. The heavy precipitation and cold temperatures are likely to create icy conditions throughout the week, with temperatures remaining below freezing. The Maryland State Highway Administration has pretreated roads to prevent snow from sticking, but the heavy snowfall rate poses a challenge.
The Maryland Transit Administration has announced service reductions, including suspensions of certain services like the Penn Line MARC Train and Commuter Bus Route 201. Snow accumulation forecasts vary across the state, with 4-5 inches possible in southern areas transitioning to rain, 6-10 inches expected in the Baltimore area, and over a foot in the northwest suburbs where snow may last longer.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Emergency ahead of the storm to mobilize state resources, including the Maryland National Guard. The State Emergency Operations Center and SHA Emergency Operations Center will be activated, and Maryland State Police will increase staffing. Residents are urged to stay off the roads during the storm and follow safety instructions to ensure their well-being.
In conclusion, Maryland is facing challenging weather conditions with heavy snowfall and the potential for icy roads. Residents are advised to stay informed, stay off the roads if possible, and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this winter storm.