East Coast Bracing for Heavy Snow

As the strong low pressure system tracks NE today, forecast models are indicating the center low of this dangerous winter storm should be right off the coast of the Delmarva Peninsula, and the Chesapeake Bay. Here’s the travel forecast today. Highest snowfall totals through tonight will range the highest in the Blue Ridge mountains, near 1 foot with the DC area getting 6″ to 12″ today. An additional foot of snow is possible in the mountains on Saturday, and with DC and Baltimore in the 4″ to 6″ range. Besides snow, a full moon with cause swelling and therefore high tide. Strong on shore winds from the east/northeast and high tide will bring a storm surge near 2″. As the low approaches the Chesapeake Bay tonight, winds will increase from the NE at 30-40 mph and gusts up to 65 mph, particularly along and east of I-95. Snow looks like it begins from 12PM-1PM in the DC area today, and 2PM-3PM in Baltimore. Snowfall of 2″ per hour is possible, leaving very low visibility and dangerous driving conditions. Here is a look at the snowfall projections today and Saturday.