Latest MD Snow Total Predictions, Plus Thunderstorms In Forecast

MARYLAND — Snow possibly mixed with sleet is expected to sweep through the Baltimore-Washington, D.C., region on Saturday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service forecast. Weather conditions will vary across the state as a winter storm moves in, forecasts say.

Maryland's western counties may see 3 to 6 inches of snow with a trace of ice on Saturday, while the D.C. suburbs can expect about 1 inch of snow and sleet on the ground. Baltimore will get about a half-inch of snow and sleet, the National Weather Service said.

A winter storm warning has been issued for Washington, Frederick, and Carroll counties from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, the NWS said. Heavy mixed precipitation is expected, with the highest amounts along, and north and west of the Catoctin Mountains and Parr's Ridge.

Ice accumulations of up to one-tenth of an inch, with amounts of up to one-quarter of an inch possible along and east of the Catoctin Mountains.

"Travel could be very difficult," in the warned counties, the agency said.

The State Highway Administration started pre-treating state-maintained highways Friday in advance of the approaching winter storm. This will be the first winter storm in central Maryland this season and is expected to begin affecting travel Saturday morning through late Sunday, the SHA said.

Crews are pre-treating state roads with salt brine to prevent the initial bonding of snow and ice from forming on the pavement.

“The State Highway Administration is prepared for the projected winter weather this weekend and we ask motorists to delay unnecessary travel during and immediately after any snowfall to allow our crews to clear the roads,” said State Highway Administrator William Pines. “Crews are most efficient at treating the roads when not encumbered by traffic. For those who must travel and for your safety, please stay behind snowplows when you see the roads being treated.”

The Statewide Transportation Operations Resource Map (STORM) identifies where SHA and contractor equipment are and where they have been, as well as real-time weather information.

"The storm is expected to blossom across the Southeastern states to start the weekend, likely bringing along a swath of heavy rain and thunderstorms before pulling northward," Accuweather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said.

Heavy snowfall totals between 6 to 12 inches are expected from the higher terrain in northern West Virginia, western Maryland and southwestern Pennsylvania, Accuweather said. But as the storm gains strength and moisture from the Atlantic, it will begin to dump snow at a heavy rate from northeastern Pennsylvania to the middle and lower part of the Hudson Valley to central and southern New England. Six to 12 inches of snow will be common in this area.

Marylanders should try and enjoy Friday's sunny weather while it lasts, even though temperatures are expected to linger in the upper 30s for most of the day, according to the NWS. But, things will begin to change Friday night, when clouds begin to move into the area and temperatures drop to the mid 20s.

Rain should begin to replace the snow and sleet Saturday, as temperatures begin to climb in the Baltimore/D.C. area, with 1 inch of new snow possible on the ground, according to NWS. Sunday will be partly cloudy and warmer, with a high of 45 and a slight chance of rain before 1 p.m.

On Sunday morning, the western counties of Maryland will see a slight chance of rain and snow, which will change over to partly sunny skies in the afternoon and temperature climbing to the mid-40s, according to NWS' report.

The following is the seven-day outlook for Maryland, according to the National Weather Service:

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 43. Northwest wind around 6 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.

Friday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 33. Southwest wind 3 to 5 mph.

Saturday: Rain and snow likely before 1pm, then rain and snow, possibly mixed with sleet between 1pm and 4pm, then rain after 4pm. High near 40. Southeast wind 5 to 11 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Saturday Night: Rain, mainly before 1am. Low around 35. Northeast wind 8 to 13 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Sunday: A chance of rain before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 45. West wind 6 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 48.

Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37.

Tuesday: Rain. High near 59. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Tuesday Night: Rain. Low around 47. Windy. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Wednesday: A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 56. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Breezy.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.