Baltimore residents woke up to severe weather conditions this morning, with a Blizzard Warning in effect for western parts of the region until 7 am. According to the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC, visibility in affected areas dropped at or below a quarter mile, with wind gusts surpassing 35 mph and heavy falling and blowing snow. Those out in the blizzard were urged caution as travel through higher elevation roads continued to present a challenge.
Winter Storm Warnings persisted until the same early hour for Garrett County, Maryland, and Highland County in Virginia, despite rising temperatures above freezing. Motorists contended with "difficult" travel conditions, especially along the major corridors such as I-68 and US-219, even as the snowfall was projected to lessen throughout the day. "Additional snow accumulations of a dusting to two inches are possible with localized amounts up to three inches at elevations above 3500 feet," the National Weather Service warned experts.
High pressure is expected to give Baltimore a brief respite on Sunday, with drier conditions and more moderate temperatures. Yet another front is forecasted to roll in by Monday, initiating a pattern of light to moderate showers and potentially more meaningful rainfall across the region. Based on the latest weather models, these showers are anticipated to deliver about a tenth to a quarter of an inch of rain.
The long-term forecast indicates another significant weather system may impact the area during Thanksgiving. A more potent front and low-pressure system looks to arrive for the Thanksgiving holiday period. Details such as this system's timing, intensity, and path, which could result in mountain snow and potentially a snow event further east, remain highly uncertain.
Marine conditions have also been notably rough, with Gale Warnings in place through early morning for certain portions of the Chesapeake Bay and the lower tidal Potomac. Winds are anticipated to remain strong, particularly affecting the middle and open waters, necessitating continued Small Craft Advisories through Sunday morning. As Baltimore navigates this tumultuous weather, citizens and mariners alike are urged to stay informed and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.
