Saturday, January 24, Morning Report
Now that the storm has taken form, we have a better handle on the development and impact for our region. The snow will not begin until after midnight, and we can expect impacts all day Sunday. The minor change I see is related to a stronger Low Pressure that will pull a little closer to us. This tendency to be a little more north and east will result in warmer air.
We all start with snow, and it will be heavy at sunrise on Sunday. Then a change to sleet and freezing rain will spread from south to north.
- Places that stay with all snow will get more, and I see our inland suburbs reaching the higher end of my snow call, plus mixing of ice on top.
- Heavier icing across Central Maryland and I-95 to Philadelphia and New York.
- More rain is eventually expected on Delmarva.
I have included several maps below to illustrate the timeline, compare the two models and their totals with mine.
STATE OF EMERGENCY
WINTER STORM WATCH
All six states have active declarations related to this storm. These allow for resource mobilization, emergency response coordination, and other preparations. Residents should follow local alerts, avoid unnecessary travel, and check official state emergency management sites for updates.
- **Maryland**: Yes – Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Emergency (and requested federal assistance) due to expected heavy snow, ice, and sub-freezing temperatures.
- **Pennsylvania**: Yes – Governor Josh Shapiro signed a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for the commonwealth ahead of significant snowfall.
- **Virginia**: Yes – Governor Abigail Spanberger declared a State of Emergency for severe winter weather expected to impact most of the commonwealth.
- **Delaware**: Yes – Governor Matt Meyer declared a State of Emergency, effective starting Sunday morning (January 25, 2026), with the Emergency Operations Center activated.
- **West Virginia**: Yes – Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for all 55 counties ahead of the major winter storm.
- **New Jersey**: Yes – Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a State of Emergency, effective at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, for the severe winter storm.
Snow Type:
While very cold temperatures will tend to result in dry and fluffy flakes, warmer air aloft will change that during the morning. So initially, the heavy snow will have higher ratios, but that will change. You will be able to tell by trying to make a snowball. If you can’t pack the snow, then the ratios will be high, and you are into the deep cold air…