CALIFORNIA, Md. — A major winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, significant icing and dangerously cold temperatures to Southern Maryland and much of the Mid-Atlantic this weekend as moisture overruns entrenched Arctic air.
Snow is forecast to develop late Saturday, Jan. 24, and intensify overnight. The National Weather Service says snowfall rates late Saturday night could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour, sharply reducing visibility and making travel extremely difficult.
By Sunday, warmer air aloft may lead to a transition to sleet or freezing rain, particularly across southern portions of the region. Areas south of U.S. Route 50 and near and east of Interstate 95, including parts of Southern Maryland, face an elevated risk for icing.
Forecasters indicate a high likelihood of at least 4 to 6 inches of snow across much of the region, with a lower-probability but concerning potential for significantly higher totals. Under higher-end scenarios, some locations across central and northern Maryland could see 10 to 14 inches of snow, with isolated totals approaching or exceeding 15 inches.
Ice accumulation is also a growing concern. The latest forecasts show the potential for one-tenth to one-quarter inch of ice in parts of the region, with locally higher amounts possible farther south. Icing could lead to scattered power outages and dangerous road conditions.
The storm is expected to impact Washington, D.C., along with central, northern, northeastern and southern Maryland, as well as central and northern Virginia. The most hazardous conditions are expected from Saturday evening through Monday morning, with impacts likely lingering into the Monday commute.
Following the storm, bitter cold will settle over the region. Wind chills are forecast to drop into the single digits and teens, with below-zero wind chills possible at times through the middle of next week.
Southern Maryland Forecast
Southern Maryland is expected to experience a high-impact winter storm, with snow developing Saturday evening and becoming heavy overnight.
Based on the latest National Weather Service forecasts, snowfall totals of 6 to 9 inches are likely across much of Southern Maryland, including inland areas of Charles and Calvert counties. A lower-probability but plausible scenario could bring 8 to 10 inches in some locations before mixing occurs.
Areas closer to the Chesapeake Bay, including Lexington Park and southern St. Mary’s County, may see lower snowfall totals, generally in the 4- to 7-inch range, due to a higher risk of sleet and freezing rain. However, these same areas face an increased threat of ice accumulation, which could significantly worsen travel conditions and increase the risk of power outages.
By Sunday, periods of sleet or freezing rain may reduce additional snowfall but increase the danger of icy roads, sidewalks and bridges. Precipitation is expected to taper off early Monday, though snow- and ice-covered roads may persist into the morning commute.
Temperatures will remain well below normal through midweek, with daytime highs mostly in the 20s and overnight lows in the teens. Wind chills may fall into the single digits at times, particularly overnight and during the early morning hours.
Residents are urged to stay informed as the storm approaches. For the latest local forecasts, storm updates, and real-time information during the event — including access to the SMECO power outage map — visit The BayNet Weather Page at https://thebaynet.com/weather/.
Updated: Jan. 22 at 7:45 p.m.
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