After a winter of little more than flurries, we could end up with a March snowstorm this week.
A winter storm warning replaces a winter storm watch west of the D.C. area effective beginning 6 p.m. Tuesday and continuing through the day Wednesday. The rest of the D.C. region remains under a winter storm watch beginning Tuesday evening and continuing Wednesday.
Some areas of Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties could see accumulation of 2 inches or more. Along the I-95 corridor, expect 4 inches or more. West of I-95 there could be substantial accumulation in some areas. Expect at least 6 inches with the possibility of a foot of snow.
However, more accurate predictions will come as we get closer to the event.
The storm will begin as rain Tuesday evening, changing into snow after midnight in some areas. By 7 a.m. Wednesday, the snow-rain border could be right along the I-95 corridor, with all snow west of I-95. Snow will continue to fall throughout the day and possibly through dawn Thursday.
Temperatures will be in the low or mid 30s.
The heavy, wet snow could lead to power outages, the National Weather Service warns.
Baltimore Gas and Electric is monitoring the weather and made an initial request for 500 utility workers from out of state. Customers can report power outages from smart phones and mobile devices via the mobile website at bge.com or by calling 877-778-2222. Track power outages with BGE's map.
If we get it, this storm would be the biggest we've had all winter. Only an inch and a half total has been measured at Reagan National Airport the the entire season, Kierein said.
Powerful March storms aren't unheard of, thanks to the clash of cold and warm air we get around this time of year, said Kierein. The region experienced blizzards during mid-March in both 1962 and 1993.
BGE advises custormers to prepare for severe weather by creating an emergency kit -- enough emergency supplies for you and those in your care -- and to keep the following items handy:
- Flashlights – not candles
- Fresh batteries
- Battery-operated clock radio
- Corded telephone
- Fully charged cell phone
- Non-perishable foods
- Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
- First aid kit
- Local maps
- Blankets
Customers should fill their vehicles with fuel in case of gas station power outages and those who rely on well water should fill a bathtub ahead of the weather.
The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office advises motorists to keep a winter weather kit in their vehicles:
- Properly fitting tire chains
- Bag of sand or salt (or kitty litter)
- Tow Straps
- Traction mats
- Snow shovel
- Snow brush
- Ice scraper
- Booster cables
- Warning devices such as flares or emergency lights
- Fuel line de-icer (methanol, also called methyl alcohol or methyl hydrate)
- Extra windshield wiper fluid appropriate for sub-freezing temperatures
- Roll of paper towels
- Flashlight and a portable flashing light (and extra batteries)
- Blanket
- Extra clothing, including hat and wind-proof pants, and warm footwear
- First aid kit
- Snack bars or other "emergency" food and water
- Matches and emergency candles. Only use these with a window opened to prevent build-up of carbon monoxide.
- Road maps
- "Call Police" or other help signs or brightly colored banners.
The sheriff's office also wants motorists to remember these safe winter driving tips:
- Always keep the gas tank topped off. When it gets to half, fill it up.
- Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. If you do have to make the trip, ensure someone is aware of your route of travel.
- Carry a cellular phone. Your cell phone can be used during emergencies and for notifying those expecting your arrival in case there are weather delays.
- Always buckle-up. Your seat belt can be the best protection against drivers who are tense and in a hurry because of weather conditions.
- Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights – even the hood and roof – before driving.
- Pay attention. Don’t try to out-drive the conditions. Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.
- Leave plenty of room for stopping
- Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows – stay back a safe stopping distance and don’t pass on the right.
- Know the current road conditions: http://511virginia.org/Default.aspx; for statewide highway information 24-hours-a-day, call the Highway Helpline at 1-800-367-ROAD or check local traffic incident information at http://sheriff.loudoun.gov/traffic.
- Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time to stop in adverse conditions.
- Watch for slippery bridges, even when the rest of the pavement is in good condition. Bridges will ice up sooner than the adjacent pavement.
- Don't use your cruise control in wintry conditions. Even roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the short touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control feature can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
- Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle. Remember that your four-wheel drive vehicle may help you get going quicker than other vehicles but it won’t help you stop any faster. Many 4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop. Don’t get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle’s traction. Your 4x4 can lose traction as quickly as a two-wheel drive vehicle.
- Do not pump anti-lock brakes. If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, do not pump brakes in attempting to stop. The right way is to “stomp and steer!”
- Look farther ahead in traffic than you normally do. Actions by cars and trucks will alert you quicker to problems and give you a split-second extra time to react safely.
- Remember that trucks are heavier than cars. Trucks take longer to safely respond and come to a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
- Go slow.
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