BALTIMORE, MD—Residents across Maryland, the District of Columbia, and northern Virginia should keep an eye on the sky this evening as a quick-moving weather system threatens to slick up the Wednesday evening commute, while forecasters warn of a much more significant winter storm brewing for the weekend.
1. Tonight’s Forecast: A “Coating” for the Commute
The National Weather Service (NWS) Baltimore/Washington office has issued a specialized update for late Wednesday afternoon and evening, highlighting a 20–30% chance for light snow to move through the region.
The system is expected to track from northwest to southeast, covering areas highlighted in green on the latest forecast maps (including D.C., Baltimore, and surrounding suburbs). While the precipitation will be light, timing is the primary concern.
- Expected Accumulation: A coating to roughly 0.5 inches.
- Impacts: Even a minor dusting can create slippery conditions on untreated roads just as the evening commute begins.
- Key Areas: Most of the “DMV” metro area, with the highest probabilities (28%) concentrated along the I-95 corridor from Washington through Fredericksburg and up toward Baltimore.
2. Weekend Outlook: Major Storm Confidence Growing
While tonight’s snow is a minor hurdle, meteorologists are increasingly concerned about a more powerful system arriving at the end of the week.
According to the latest “Key Messages” from the NWS Weather Prediction Center, confidence is increasing for an impactful winter storm beginning as early as Friday night and lasting through the weekend.
Heavy Snow & Gusty Winds
The storm is currently taking aim at the Carolinas and southern Virginia, where heavy snow is becoming increasingly likely. The system is expected to bring:
- Gusty Winds: Combined with snow, these winds could significantly reduce visibility.
- Coastal Impacts: Onshore winds and high tides may lead to coastal flooding and dangerous surf.
- Travel Disruptions: “Moderate Impacts” (hazardous driving and potential service disruptions) are already being forecast for a wide swath of the Mid-Atlantic.
Note on Uncertainty: While confidence is high for the southern regions, forecasters admit that uncertainty remains high for areas further north along the East Coast and into New England. Small shifts in the storm’s track could mean the difference between a major snow event and a miss for cities like Philadelphia and New York.
What You Should Do
With sub-zero wind chills already affecting the region and a potential major storm on the horizon, officials recommend the following:…