Live Coverage: Winter storm blankets Baltimore region in snow
Follow Baltimore Sun Media Group's live coverage of the record winter storm, with updates from throughout the region.
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Schools in Baltimore City, and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties are closed Thursday. Check our database for more public, private and university school closings: bsun.md/snowday
For more Baltimore-area storm postponements and cancellations, go here.
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Here's what to expect from a weekend blizzard forecasters said could bring one of Baltimore's top 10 biggest snowfalls and life-threatening travel conditions.
When is it going to start?
Northern fringes of the storm could start dropping snowflakes in Baltimore by mid-afternoon Friday, with more heavy and quickly accumulating snow starting between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., according to National Weather Service forecasts.
A blizzard warning is in effect from 3 p.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Sunday. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan on Thursday declared a State of Emergency beginning 7 a.m. Friday. The declaration gives Hogan powers to “deploy resources and make decisions to promote public safety,” officials said, and indicates to residents the gravity of the forecast. -
How much are we going to get?
Weather forecasting models suggest we would be getting 2 to 2 1/2 inches of rain if it were warmer, but with temperatures expected to be around freezing or colder for the duration of the storm, it is largely expected to fall as snow. The general rule of thumb is 10 inches of snow for every inch of liquid precipitation, which translates to 20 or 25 inches of snow.
Most forecasters, including the National Weather Service, are calling for 18 to 24 inches of snow across Central Maryland. It is expected to snow the heaviest overnight Friday and into Saturday morning, not tapering off until some time before dawn Sunday morning.
You can expect as much as a foot by the time the sun rises Saturday, and as much as another foot by Sunday morning.
Factors that could put us on the lower end of predictions include the storm's track and whether relatively mild air moves in overhead, creating sleet or other mixed precipitation. But we could also end up on the higher end if, say, temperatures stay in the 20s. Highs are forecast in the lower 30s. Colder air means finer, fluffier snow that packs down less (and isn't good for snowballs or snowmen). -
Why is this storm so intense?
The storm is considered a classic "nor'easter," the name for the large coastal storms responsible for the East Coast's biggest snowfalls. Nor'easters thrive on a clash between cold air to their north and west and relatively warmer, moister air over the Atlantic. They also typically carry heavy amounts of tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. Strong winds from the northeast give these storms the nor'easter name.
This storm is already intense as it moves across the Gulf Coast states Thursday, prompting tornado watches in Texas and Louisiana and causing a flurry of lightning strikes. It is forecast to move toward Alabama and Tennessee before transferring its energy to a low-pressure system expected to form over the Carolinas on Friday. It will then sweep up the coast, intensifying thanks to the aforementioned clash of air masses. -
What is a blizzard?
A blizzard is not just a name for a big snowstorm -- for a storm to qualify as a blizzard, it must bring winds of 35 mph or greater and considerable falling or blowing snow that reduces visibility to less than 1/4 mile.
This storm is expected to bring, along with the aforementioned massive snowfall, sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts up to 55 mph. The combination of the snow and winds could lead to massive drifts, dangerous travel conditions and power outages. -
How does this forecast compare to past storms?
Snowfall of at least 18 inches would put this storm among Baltimore's top 10 biggest snowfalls. More than 2 feet would put it in the top five. You can go through the list here.
When a blizzard watch was issued across the region Wednesday, it was for the first time in this region since 1993 (it has since been upgraded to a blizzard warning). There have been a handful of blizzard warnings since then when such conditions have developed, but the bottom line is that blizzard conditions are rare, and having any foresight of them is rarer still. -
They were only calling for 8 inches. We ended up with nearly 2 feet. The blizzard of 1979: bsun.md/23hGb7Z http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CZR5l2FWkAEd8cz.jpg
by baltimoresun via twitter 1/22/2016 12:14:12 PM -
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Today's the day. Winter storm arrives. Have emergency kits, food, water, medicines, etc. for 3-5 days. ow.ly/3yUSeL #mdpreparesby Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MDMEMA) via twitter 1/22/2016 12:40:51 PM
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Need to take shelter in extreme cold? Contact your local Office of Emergency Management to find a warming center near you. #WinterSafety -
Snow is coming earlier, and possibly heavier, than forecasters predicted yesterday. bsun.md/1Pku6e6 http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CZU9jT9VAAABed_.png
by Maryland Weather via twitter 1/22/2016 1:26:06 PM -
8:30 a.m. update:
Arriving sooner: Friday morning, the storm was moving faster than meteorologists previously expected. They expect snow to start falling between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. in the Baltimore area, about 2 hours earlier than National Weather Service forecasters had predicted Thursday.
Latest forecast totals:The latest runs of major forecast models Friday morning were getting more extreme -- weather service meteorologists' best guess for the Baltimore area is in the realm of 25 to 27 inches, with more than 30 inches possible if the storm overperforms.
It is expected to snow the heaviest overnight Friday and into Saturday morning, not tapering off until some time before dawn Sunday morning. You can expect as much as a foot by the time the sun rises Saturday, and as much as another foot by Sunday morning. -
If the power goes out know how to contact your electric company. A list of MD common electric companies:ow.ly/XoK7e #mdpreparesby Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MDMEMA) via twitter 1/22/2016 3:00:58 PM
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Blizzard cancellations include a meeting on a plan to put a horse racing simulcast/betting facility at fairgrounds: baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/…by Pamela Wood via twitter 1/22/2016 3:04:14 PM -
.@midnightsunblog is rounding up snow day specials. One bar is offering discounts if you're wearing pajamas. bsun.md/1OC3iCqby baltimoresun via twitter 1/22/2016 3:05:49 PM
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by Chris Kaltenbach via twitter 1/22/2016 3:14:27 PM -
When is the snow coming? How much are we going to get? Here is where I answer your questions: bsun.md/1Pku6e6by Scott Dance via twitter 1/22/2016 3:18:02 PM -
Alert: All Pratt Library locations will be closing at 2 p.m. Friday, January 22. All locations closed Saturday, January 23 and Sunday, January 24.
>> Read here for more postponements and cancellations. -
Winter Storm is expected around 3PM. Please make plans to be off of the roadway as soon as possible. Please avoid parking on the roads.by Emergency Management via twitter 1/22/2016 3:20:45 PM -
.@SpeakerBusch said the State House offices are closing down at 1 pm in advance of snow. (Yesterday, they were looking at a 3 pm closing.)by Pamela Wood via twitter 1/22/2016 3:24:07 PM
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The latest question answered in this primer on what to expect from the storm: Why are people calling it "Jonas"? The Weather Channel launched an effort in 2012 to name winter storms in the same way we name hurricanes, to simplify messaging about storms and to communicate their severity. Jonas is the tenth name on the list this winter. -
Md. National Guard is calling up 500 soldiers for the snow. Also, they have clonetroopers flic.kr/p/CWiHy5 http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CZVarL2WkAAgu8S.jpg
by Ian Duncan via twitter 1/22/2016 3:40:51 PM -
by Justin George via twitter 1/22/2016 3:41:11 PM -
Ominous: I was just informed the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists will announce a possible tick in the Doomsday Clock on Tuesday.by Scott Dance via twitter 1/22/2016 3:57:08 PM
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#BalWx Blizzard Warning issued January 22 at 10:53AM EST until January 24 at 6:00AM EST by NWS for #Baltimore City ift.tt/1Jp7kPUby Baltimore OEM via twitter 1/22/2016 4:03:29 PM -
Free hot chocolate for a week? Only if you build the best snowman in front of Station North Arts Cafe. bsun.md/1OC3iCqby Midnight Sun via twitter 1/22/2016 4:07:24 PM -
Friday’s performance by Robyn Hitchcock performance at the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts has been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 6 at 8 p.m. Marcia Ball’s performance on Saturday, also at Wolf Trap, has been rescheduled for Sunday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Members of The Philadelphia Orchestra, originally scheduled for this Sunday, has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 6 at 3 p.m.
>> Read here for more postponements and cancellations. -
#BalWx High Wind Warning issued January 22 at 11:05AM EST until January 23 at 1:00PM EST by NWS for #Baltimore City ift.tt/1VdUJQfby Baltimore OEM via twitter 1/22/2016 4:18:28 PM
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More than 900 utility crews from outside the region are on their way to help with any power outages the blizzard causes, Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. officials said. BGE has 3,200 of its own employees mobilized to respond to the storm. Some power outages are likely given the combination of heavy snow and wind gusts up to 55 mph in the forecast.
BGE urged customers to have flashlights with fresh batteries ready, to charge mobile phones and devices and to gather a supply of bottled water and non-perishable food. Outages should be reported by calling (877) 778-2222. -
The Statewide Snow Emergency plan will go into effect at noon Friday, restricting travel and parking on all state roads designated at snow emergency routes.
Vehicles traveling on state roads designated as snow emergency routes must have chains, snow tires or all season radials, State Police and the State Highway Administration officials said in a statement. Any vehicles parked or abandoned on the road should be moved or will be towed.
“Please avoid traveling during the storm to allow our crews the space needed to plow the roads,” said SHA Administrator Gregory Johnson said in the statement Friday. “Our goal is to keep one travel lane open and passable on major highways for emergency vehicles during the storm and focus on plowing all lanes once the snow stops.”
The designation applies to state roads — those with Maryland numbered routes — that are designated snow emergency routes.
A Baltimore City transportation spokeswoman said Friday morning that the city has not yet made a similar recommendation to city roads.
Commercial vehicles with hauling permits are not valid during snow emergencies. Commercial vehicle drivers can stop at one of 17 ride sharing lots during the storm. -
.@LarryHogan makes another call for residents to stay put from tonight through Sunday: “This is the safe choice."by Scott Dance via twitter 1/22/2016 4:32:40 PM
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All @BaltCoGov general offices will close at 2 pm today: ow.ly/XppFc ^NLby Emergency Management via twitter 1/22/2016 4:41:46 PM
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Snow total expectations changed very little. Start time Noon-4 PM N WV, near rush I-70, 7-11 PM PGH area. http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CZUOaPQW0AA87W2.png
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Latest closings: The Clarice Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland will be closed Friday through Sunday.
The B&O Railroad Museum is closed on Friday.
The Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum will be closed Friday through Sunday.
>> Read here for more postponements and cancellations. -
To help w your winter storm questions, we created a webpage specifically designed for info w this storm: mema.maryland.gov/Pages/Incident… #mdpreparesby Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MDMEMA) via twitter 1/22/2016 5:01:34 PM
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All Maryland Transit Administration services, including local and commuter buses, will be suspended by midnight, said Paul W. Comfort, the MTA administrator. Service will resume again Monday.
“Everything will be off the street for the next 48 hours,” for safety of it customers and operators, Comfort said.
Services will stop starting by 7 p.m., MTA officials said, and sooner if the weather requires it. The suspension covers local buses, commuter buses, Light Rail, MARC Trains, Metro Subway and Mobility/Paratransit services.
MTA has only shut down all service three previous times in the last 40 years, Comfort said. -
Precipitation is making its way toward the region. Follow @baltimoresun 's storm live blog: bsun.md/snowstorm http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CZVzPtLWYAA-xzn.png
by Maryland Weather via twitter 1/22/2016 5:21:07 PM -
.@MDMEMA and state partners are coordinating activities in the State Emergency Ops Center preparing for the snow http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CZVzcenUYAAqpJU.jpg
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Bring pet's like cats & dogs inside if you can. Include their supplies in your 3-5 day emergency kit. #MDPreparesby Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MDMEMA) via twitter 1/22/2016 5:30:54 PM
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The Port Discovery Children's Museum will close Friday at 2 p.m.
The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House is closed Friday.
All Friday and Saturday shows at Toby’s Dinner Theatre are canceled.
Friday and Saturday performances of “Our Town” at Vagabond Players are canceled.
All post offices in the Baltimore district with ZIP codes 21215, 21217, and 21254 will close Friday at 2 p.m. Post offices with ZIP codes 21210, 21212, 21216, 21218 and 21219 will also close on Friday at 3 p.m. All facilities, including bulk mail acceptance units, will also be closed. Collections of mail mailboxes, residences and businesses will be completed by 3 p.m.
Sunday’s Gordon Low Community Concert at Owings Mills’ Gordon Center for the Performing Arts has been postponed. A new date will be announced next week.
All Brick Bodies and Lynne Brick’s clubs will close Friday at 2 p.m. and will remain closed on Saturday.
The Young Hustle Tour at the Baltimore Soundstage on Friday at 8 p.m. has been canceled. Saturday’s Keys N Krates show at the Baltimore Soundstage has been rescheduled for Thursday, April 21.
>> Read here for more postponements and cancellations. -
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For an emergency during the #WinterStorm call 911. For non-emergencies call 410-887-2222 to reach a #BCoPD operator. Both staffed 24/7 ^NLby Emergency Management via twitter 1/22/2016 5:48:51 PM
