A narrow band of heavier snow developed northeast of I-95, producing widespread 4–6” totals across parts of southeast Pennsylvania, northeast Maryland, and northern New Jersey, with locally higher amounts reported in areas such as York, Lancaster, Harford, Baltimore, and Carroll counties. The mountains saw the highest totals overall, with 8–12” common across Garrett County and western Maryland, where colder air and stronger forcing persisted longer.
Farther south and southwest, totals dropped off quickly as expected. Areas south of US-50 and closer to the Potomac generally picked up under 1–2 inches, with some locations seeing less due to initially warmer temperatures and drier air limiting snowfall. This verified concerns for dry air intrusion and explains the tight snowfall gradient seen on the final map, resulting in minor impacts for most and localized moderate impacts where the heavier band set up.
Overall, the forecast performed well, correctly identifying the narrow corridor of higher snow totals northeast of I-95, the lighter amounts to the south due to dry air and marginal temperatures, and significantly higher snowfall in the mountains. The biggest takeaway from this event was the sharp snowfall gradient, with totals changing rapidly over short distances — a known challenge with fast-moving coastal systems…