Baltimore Weather Alert: Saturday Snow Creates Slick Roads, Temperatures Near Freezing in Harford and Carroll Counties
Baltimore and surrounding Maryland counties are experiencing Saturday snow and slick road conditions as temperatures hover near or below freezing. Snow started early in the morning, with minor accumulations of a trace to one inch possible north and west of the city.
By late morning, snow bands shifted north, tapering in Westminster while continuing steadily in Bel Air and Harford County. The precipitation will end by Saturday afternoon as temperatures rise near 40 degrees, giving way to sunshine.
Skies will clear briefly in the evening before clouds return overnight, with temperatures dropping into the low 30s. Residents should remain alert for slick spots, especially on untreated roads, as minor snow accumulations remain on bridges and elevated surfaces.
Another storm system is expected to develop Sunday, mostly affecting Southern Maryland and the Lower Eastern Shore, with light snow possibly grazing Baltimore. Extended cold is expected through next week, including subzero wind chills Tuesday morning.
Saturday Snow Overview
Saturday is classified as an Impact Weather Day for the Baltimore area due to snow and sub-freezing temperatures. Minor accumulations of up to an inch are likely in northern and western suburbs, including Harford, Carroll, and northern Baltimore counties.
Temperatures remained near or below freezing in these areas Saturday morning, creating slick conditions on roads. Residents are urged to take precautions while commuting, particularly during morning hours when snow mixed with slush is heaviest.
Timeline: Saturday Snow Event
Early Morning (Before 7 a.m.)
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Snow began falling across northern Baltimore suburbs
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Minor accumulations of a trace to one inch expected
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Temperatures at or below freezing, especially north and west of Baltimore
Morning (7 a.m.–11 a.m.)
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Snow bands shifted north toward Carroll County
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Steady snow continued in Bel Air and Harford County
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Road crews treated main routes, but residential streets may remain slick
Late Morning to Early Afternoon (11 a.m.–2 p.m.)
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Snow tapered in Westminster
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Accumulation remained light (under an inch in most areas)
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Temperatures warmed toward freezing near downtown Baltimore
Afternoon (2 p.m.–5 p.m.)
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Snow ended across most northern suburbs
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Sunshine emerged, helping melt minor snow and reduce road hazards
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Temperatures rose near 40 degrees, decreasing risk of significant accumulation
Evening (5 p.m.–8 p.m.)
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Skies briefly cleared before overnight cloud increase
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Temperatures drop into the low 30s, refreezing some wet surfaces
Sunday Storm Forecast
Another system develops south of Baltimore Sunday:
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Steadier snow expected in Southern Maryland and the Lower Eastern Shore
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Trace to 1 inch possible
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Baltimore area may see light, scattered snow with minimal accumulation
Residents are advised to monitor conditions Sunday, particularly if traveling to southern counties or coastal areas.
Extended Forecast: Cold Snap Ahead
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Monday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day): Isolated snow showers, highs in the 30s
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Tuesday: Bitter cold with highs in the 20s, morning wind chills in the single digits to below zero
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Increased wind from the west at 10–15 mph may exacerbate cold conditions
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Precautions are recommended to prevent frostbite or hypothermia, especially for children, elderly, and outdoor workers
Official Statements
National Weather Service
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Declared Saturday an Impact Weather Day for the Baltimore area
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Winter Weather Advisory issued for northern and western counties
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Warned of slick roads and minor snow accumulation
Local Governments
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Baltimore and surrounding county road crews deployed plows and salt trucks
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Officials urge residents to drive carefully and check for local school or travel advisories
Public Safety Recommendations
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Limit unnecessary travel during snow and icy conditions
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Check on neighbors and vulnerable populations during extreme cold
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Monitor local news and National Weather Service updates
Public Reaction
Residents reported slippery roads and light snow accumulation on neighborhood streets Saturday morning. Social media updates highlighted snow-covered bridges in Harford County and icy patches along main routes in Carroll and northern Baltimore counties.
Commuters are adjusting travel plans, leaving extra time to reach work or appointments. Schools and local organizations continue to monitor conditions for possible schedule changes, though most are proceeding as normal.
What Residents Should Expect Next
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Light snow tapering off Saturday afternoon, with sunshine returning
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Scattered snow possible Sunday, mainly south of Baltimore
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Cold temperatures persist through the week, including subzero wind chills Tuesday
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Future monitoring needed for potential storm systems later next week
Residents should prepare vehicles, homes, and pets for ongoing winter weather and plan travel accordingly.
NEWS FACT TABLE
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Winter Impact Weather Day with snow |
| Location | Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford County, Carroll County, northern Maryland suburbs |
| Date | Saturday, January 18 |
| Who Is Affected | Commuters, residents, schools, local governments |
| Current Status | Snow ongoing in northern suburbs, tapering in afternoon |
| What to Know | Minor accumulations (trace–1 inch), slick roads, temperatures near freezing, additional snow possible Sunday south of Baltimore |
FAQ SECTION
1. How much snow is expected Saturday in Baltimore?
Minor accumulations, generally a trace to 1 inch, mainly north and west of the city.
2. Which counties are under Winter Weather Advisory?
Baltimore, Harford, Carroll, and northern suburbs.
3. Will Sunday bring more snow to Baltimore?
Only light, scattered snow possible; steadier snow is expected south in Southern Maryland and the Lower Eastern Shore.
4. How cold will it get this week?
Highs in the 20s by Tuesday, with morning wind chills in the single digits to below zero.
5. Are roads dangerous during the storm?
Yes, minor snow accumulations and sub-freezing temperatures can create slick spots, especially on bridges and untreated roads.
6. What precautions should residents take?
Limit travel if possible, dress warmly, check on vulnerable neighbors, and monitor local weather updates.
7. Will schools or public services be affected?
Most schools and services remain open, but delays may occur depending on snow and road conditions.
Saturday’s snow in Baltimore and surrounding counties will create minor accumulations and slick roads, mainly north and west of the city. Sunday brings a lighter system impacting southern counties, while cold temperatures persist through the week, with subzero wind chills Tuesday morning. Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts, take precautions during travel, and stay alert to changing winter weather conditions.
