Massive Winter Storm Takes Aim At Maryland

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Maryland faces another round of winter weather, one that could bring us the most significant snow of the season. The governor has declared a state of emergency.

Related Link: Governor Declares State Of Emergency In Maryland

Meteorologist Chelsea Ingram reports a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from Wednesday evening through Thursday evening for most of Maryland.

Check: Current Conditions

This is really a case where a difference in the storm track of 50 to 100 miles could make the difference of 6 inches or more of snow accumulation.

Timeline/Accumulations:

Warnings and advisories have been issued for our area, as our next storm system overspreads the region from south to north.

This storm will bring with it a variety of hazards and problems. There will be the snow at first... and a lot of it from the I-95 corridor - west. Places like Salisbury and the Ocean City may reach 40 degrees in the early morning Thursday which would effectively change all forms of precipitation over to plain rain out there, along with some strong wind gusts in excess of 35 or 40 miles per hour! The potential for flooding from rain and extreme sloppiness will be more likely on the Eastern Shore along with the threat of coastal flooding at high tide.

For Baltimore and other places located north and west of I-95, mainly snow is expected overnight. We may mix with some sleet and perhaps even rain briefly Thursday before eventually changing back to all snow later Thursday afternoon and evening. Totals will average anywhere from 6-10" before this winds down. Portions of central Maryland -- not the panhandle region -- will probably get over a foot because they will have snow from start to finish!

The heaviest part of the storm is expected to be between 6 a.m. and noon on Thursday.

Some of the later models seem to show the storm trending farther west. That would bring more warm air into the area, which means that instead of only snow, we could see sleet, rain or freezing rain depending on the temperature.

North winds will be 10-20 mph gusting to 30 mph.

Temperatures:

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid to upper 20s Wednesday night. Those temperatures will rise into the lower and middle 30s Thursday afternoon.

Roads may be snow and sleet covered. Travel may be dangerous Wednesday night and Thursday. Heavy wet snow could lead to some power outages.

Future:

Updates will be posted periodically as we fine-tune the forecast. Snow could possibly change over to sleet/freezing rain along the I-95 corridor, then change back over to snow before exiting Thursday around dinner time.

Because many trees were weakened by last week's ice storm, it is possible that some remaining trees may not be able to hold the added weight and could fall, impacting electric service. Residents are advised to prepare for potential power outages and to conserve power as much as possible.

"It's been a long winter for many Maryland families. With the polar vortex, a bad ice storm and several snowstorms already this year, it's incredibly important for all Marylanders to remain vigilant and find smart ways to safely conserve energy," said Governor O'Malley. "Once again we ask our residents to be prepared, avoid travel if at all possible, and remember to keep an eye on relatives, friends and neighbors."

Residents should have a disaster supply kit with water, non-perishable food, a battery- or crank-operated radio and other necessities in case of an extended power outage. Now is also the time to make sure cell phones and other devices are fully charged in case of a power outage.

If you must travel in bad weather, make sure your car's battery, tires and wiper blades are in good condition and always have more than half a tank of gas in the car. Add a car charger, blankets and extra snacks and drinks to your car's supply kit, and if you must drive, make sure someone knows where you are going and your planned route in case you become stranded.

Do not leave pets exposed to cold and snow for long periods. If your pets must remain outside, make sure they have a dry shelter, plenty of food and drinkable (non-frozen) water. Do not put blankets or pillows in their shelter as they may become wet and frozen in a snowstorm.

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