Final Projected Snow and Ice Totals For Maryland and Virginia – The MoCo Show

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued its final forecast ahead of the incoming winter storm, and projected snowfall totals remain largely unchanged across the DC metro region.

The NWS has most of the immediate DC metro area in the 9 to 10 inch range. Areas south of Washington are forecast to see slightly lower totals around 7 to 8 inches, while locations north of Montgomery County could receive 11 to 12 inches of snow.

The National Weather Service high-end snowfall map, representing a 10 percent chance of higher totals, places much of the region in the 10 to 13 inch range. On the low-end map, which reflects a 10 percent chance of lower totals, snowfall amounts fall closer to 3 to 5 inches across the area. Most local television stations are currently calling for a general 6 to 10 inch snowfall for the core DC metro.

Ice accumulation will also play a role, particularly closer to Washington. Forecasts show around one tenth of an inch of ice possible near the immediate DC metro, with lesser amounts farther north where colder air is expected to keep precipitation in the form of snow for a longer period of time. On the high-end ice map, which represents a 10 percent chance of higher impacts, the DC metro area could see up to a quarter inch of ice. On the low-end ice map, also a 10 percent scenario, most of the region would see little to no ice accumulation.

Snow is expected to transition to sleet during the morning hours. The timing of that changeover remains critical. An earlier transition would limit snowfall totals, while a later change would allow for higher accumulations. Freezing rain is possible after the sleet, increasing the risk for hazardous travel and power disruptions.

Regardless of final totals, impacts are expected to be significant across much of the region and will likely extend into Monday. Extremely cold temperatures following the storm will slow cleanup efforts and could prolong disruptions, particularly for schools, if higher snowfall or ice amounts are realized.