Snow Threatens Baltimore Post-Thanksgiving
BALTIMORE, USA (WHN) – A winter storm is on its way. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Baltimore metropolitan area, warning residents of the first accumulating snow of the season expected to create hazardous travel conditions just as the Thanksgiving holiday weekend concludes.
The system will arrive Sunday. It’s forecast to begin as rain during the afternoon before a rapid changeover to snow occurs in the evening hours. The main threat, according to the NWS advisory, will be the timing, directly impacting the Monday morning commute. Residents should prepare now for significant travel disruptions.
Timing and Accumulation
Snowfall will vary by location. The intensity of the precipitation, coupled with dropping temperatures Sunday night, will determine how quickly road surfaces become slick. Forecasters are watching the I-95 corridor closely as a potential dividing line for higher totals.
- Advisory Period: The Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from Sunday afternoon through the early hours of Monday morning.
- Highest Totals: Areas north and west of the city, including Carroll, Harford, and northern Baltimore counties, could see accumulations of up to 4 inches.
- Baltimore City: The immediate metro area is forecast to receive between 1 and 3 inches of wet snow.
- Southern Areas: Locations south of Baltimore are expected to get a coating to an inch before the system moves out.
Impact on Travel and Safety
The Monday morning commute is in jeopardy. The National Weather Service warns that the period of heaviest snowfall will likely coincide with the early travel hours, creating dangerous conditions on untreated roads. Visibility will be significantly reduced at times.
Prepare for a slow drive. Because ground temperatures are still relatively warm, the snow will be heavy and wet, leading to slushy and slippery patches, especially on bridges and overpasses. This wet snow, however, also carries enough weight to potentially bring down tree limbs and cause isolated power outages. State and local road crews are expected to be treating major arteries, but secondary roads could remain treacherous well into Monday morning.
Officials urge caution. Drivers are advised to allow for plenty of extra time, reduce their speed, and increase following distance to avoid accidents. The changeover from rain to snow can happen quickly, catching drivers off guard. The storm system is expected to exit the region by mid-morning on Monday, but cold temperatures will linger.
