Coastal Storm Is Here. Your Driving Speed Should Be Like Cooking BBQ: Low and Slow. Safe Travels!

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Well the coastal storm is here. Hope many of you got out early safely and that many who have to drive today are going to take it slow and easy today if they have to drive during the day. As for the storm, it looks like a heavier snow band could elevate snow potential from the mountains of western MD to south-central PA and into northeastern PA. Here’s my snow total forecast from last night, with potential heavier local amounts to the 3-6″ range near where the heavy snow band is:
Snow Totals From Coastal Storm By Location (Through Early Thursday Morning):

Point Forecast Snow Totals (Heavier local amounts possible in Central/Eastern PA):

  • DC: Mix-2″
  • Philly: 2-4″
  • New York City: 2-5″
  • Boston: 3-6″
  • State College, PA: 3-6″
  • Frederick, MD: 3-6″
  • Scranton, PA: 5-10″
  • Hartford, CT: 6-10″
  • Pittsburgh, PA: Trace-2″
  • Oil City, PA: 0″-Flurries

Risks: To the higher side for Central and Eastern PA. 6-10″ could expand westward if areas see heavier snow band. Immediate coast from southern NJ to VA could only see rain.

Current (~6:30-7:00am) Temperatures:
  • Erie, PA: 34; Wind Chill: 34
  • Franklin, PA: 28; Wind Chill: 21
  • New Castle, PA: 28; Wind Chill: 28
  • Butler, PA: 28; Wind Chill: 20
  • Pittsburgh, PA (KAGC): 33; Wind Chill: 27
  • Uniontown, PA: 32; Wind Chill: 32
  • State College, PA: 32; Wind Chill: 25
  • Frederick, MD: 41; Wind Chill: 35
  • BWI Airport, MD: 42; Wind Chill: 42
  • DC (KDCA): 47; Wind Chill: 44

Forecast:

Western PA:

Main threat:  Western PA will continue to see snow east of Pittsburgh. Chance of snow for far western PA. Slick roads possible, especially in the mountains.

  • Today: Chance of snow showers in far western PA. Snow continues towards central PA. Highs: Low to Mid 30s Overnight Lows: Mid 20s to Low 30s
  • Thursday: Chance of light snow showers. Highs: Mid to Upper 30s Overnight Lows: Low to Mid 20s
  • Friday: Mostly cloudy. Afternoon Highs: Upper 30s/40s Overnight Lows: Mid to Upper 20s

DC Region:

Main threat: Wednesday brings a threat of rain, mix, and snow to the region. Snow threat increases further north and west of DC. The coast looks at more of a rain/mix/snow event. Travel impact will be major.

  • Today: Rain changes over to a mix/snow. Accumulations mainly N and W of DC itself. Afternoon Highs: 30s Overnight Lows: Low to Mid 30s
  • Thursday: Mostly cloudy. Highs: Upper 30s/Low 40s Overnight Lows: Upper 20s to Low 30s
  • Friday: Mostly sunny. Afternoon Highs: Low to Mid 40s Overnight Lows: Low 30s

Good News: Worst weather ends by tonight/early tomorrow.

Bad News: Major traffic delays possible today with holiday traffic + weather.