The weekend weather forecast is prompting officials to issue winter weather advisories across various regions, including multiple counties and metropolitan areas. The National Weather Service (NWS) has declared warnings for periods between 1 p.m. Saturday and 1 a.m. Sunday due to anticipated mixed precipitation, which could significantly impact travel and daily routines.
The advisory highlights potential for mixed precipitation starting as light snow, transitioning to sleet and eventually freezing rain. According to the NWS, total snow accumulations are expected to reach one inch with ice accumulations pushing up to two-tenths of an inch. "Mixed precipitation is expected with total snow accumulations up to one inch and ice accumulations up to two-tenths of an inch," the NWS confirmed. With the first round of this winter weather system arriving from the southwest after 3 p.m. Saturday, impacted areas will include Ashland, Cuyahoga, and around the Greater D.C. region.
Heavy snow is predicted to take hold overnight through the early morning hours of Sunday. Specific forecasts for New Hampshire detail the arrival of snow expected to start between 9 p.m. and midnight, with accumulations forecasted to be between five and nine inches for most of the state. The storm is anticipated to bring challenges for motorists particularly on untreated roads, with snow likely to transition finally to rain later on, but not before causing some difficult driving conditions.
For Maryland, the winter weather advisory begins on Saturday morning, with precipitation likely to develop from midmorning until noon. "Precipitation likely starts as snow before transitioning to sleet and eventually freezing rain… Plan on slippery road conditions," stated the NWS. Residents should brace for hazardous conditions as the temperatures remain below freezing, potentially leading to icy spots on roadways.
Waiting in the wings, another significant winter weather event is poised to impact the region later next week. Trends suggest accumulations could begin piling up again by Tuesday, with more snow expected to blanket parts of the affected areas. With the winter season having taken hold, many areas are seeing the effects of colder temperatures as ice coverage on Lake Erie reaches 91%; the first time it's hit 90% or more since February 2022.
Across the D.C. area, forecasters expect snow to turn to sleet and some areas particularly south of Route 30 may experience lesser snow accumulations of less than one inch, with significant ice glaze possibilities. The NWS has brought attention to areas where weather conditions could lead to significant disruptions due to power outages from falling tree limbs, particularly for regions where freezing rain is expected.
While the weekend holds some promising travel conditions on Saturday, Sunday poses potential for long delays and difficult commutes. Public advisories promote caution, indicating areas with expected ice should be approached with vigilance, and residents should be prepared for unpredictability and challenges on the roads.
Drivers are urged to stay tuned to local forecasts and social media updates from trusted weather sources as the winter weather system continues to evolve. Emergency agencies are encouraged to prepare for possible power outages and are recommending residents have emergency plans and supplies ready as weather conditions worsen.
A chilling reminder of winter's grip is evident with the impending storm, marking its presence with the advisory extended across several jurisdictions. Meteorologists stress the importance of being weather-aware as accumulations may impact local communities and disrupt normal schedules. Activity logs are also advising familiarity with emergency contacts, especially those reliant on electricity.
For the upcoming week, residents are advised to remain informed on local conditions as another storm system approaches, maintaining precautions during the icy conditions. Authorities encourage all to take this winter weather seriously and prioritize safety above all else.