winter storm warning issued for northern MD as snow accumulations are more likely

10:00AM 1/5/24 - Winter storm update and second call on snow accumulations:
The newest in from NWS is a WINTER STORM WARNING for Carroll, Frederick, and Washington counties from 10am until 10pm Saturday. While it goes till 10pm, it’s very likely to be canceled early as we switch to rain.

There is also a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY in effect for NW Montgomery, NW Howard, NW Baltimore, and NW Harford. This is also in effect from 10am until 10pm, but again will be canceled early as we switch to rain.
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York and Adams county are under a winter storm watch, but will be upgraded to a warning soon.

We have slightly increased our snowfall forecast for northern areas, with 3-5” now expected along and north of Parr’s ridge in Carroll county, from Frederick northward in Frederick county, and extreme northern Baltimore county. In northern York and Adams county, 5-8” of snow is expected. Elsewhere NW of I-95, a trace to 3” is expected depending on your location. ​

Timing has sped up a bit as well. We expect precip to start between 7am and 9am near the DC metro, 9am-11am between the DC metro and Westminster-Baltimore, and after 11am north of there. Snow is likely at the onset, and may be moderate to heavy at times especially north of I-70. Everyone will likely switch to rain by 4pm if not sooner. ​

As far as impacts go, they should be fairly limited as many main roads have been treated, and most accumulations should be washed away by evening. That said, some back and neighborhood roads may be snow covered particularly in northern MD. Along and SE of I-95, little to no accumulation is expected so no impacts other than wet roads. ​