A powerful winter storm is expected to intensify rapidly along the Southeast coast this weekend, bringing major impacts to parts of the Carolinas and southern Virginia, but it now appears likely to largely miss the DC Metro area and much of Maryland.
Montgomery County Public Schools has announced a Code Red closure for Friday, January 30, as cleanup efforts from the recent winter storm continue across the county. The school system also announced a delay is likely for Monday, February 2nd.
MCPS building service employees are working hard to clear the schools, but the ice has proven to be a challenge as some schools are just getting started/still working on clearing bus lanes and parking lots based on photos sent in Thursday morning.
Montgomery County ended its snow emergency declaration at 7 am on Thursday, January 29, after it had been in effect since the evening of Saturday, January 24.
Montgomery County has paused enforcement of sidewalk snow-clearing requirements until Monday, February 2, after sustained freezing temperatures left many sidewalks icy and difficult to clear.
The National Weather Service is urging drivers and pedestrians across Maryland and Virginia to stay alert for black ice as cold conditions continue.
The NWS warned that areas of black ice have already been reported this morning and cautioned that hazardous conditions can develop quickly and without warning. Officials say black ice will remain a daily concern as long as snowpack remains on the ground and temperatures stay near or below freezing.
This weekend’s winter storm is shaping up to be a significant system for parts of the East Coast, but at this point, it is likely to remain just far enough offshore to limit impacts in central Maryland (including Montgomery County) and northern Virginia.
With cleanup efforts still underway from recent winter weather, the National Weather Service is flagging a potential curveball for parts of Maryland and Northern Virginia. Forecasters say there is a 20-30 percent chance for light snow Wednesday afternoon into the evening, which could coincide with the evening commute.
A Cold Emergency Alert has been extended for Montgomery County through Tuesday, February 3 at 12 pm, with wind chill values expected to remain below 20 degrees and conditions that could lead to frostbite or hypothermia with prolonged exposure.
The National Weather Service is closely monitoring the potential for a significant coastal storm this weekend, though confidence remains low on whether it will meaningfully impact central Maryland.
Montgomery County Public Schools announced Tuesday afternoon that all schools and offices will remain closed on Wednesday, January 28, and Thursday, January 29, as cleanup efforts continue following Sunday’s snow and ice storm.