Reagan National Airport - 17.8", 4th largest snowstorm of all time, just ahead of the Blizzard of 1996

BWI Thurgood Marshall - 24.8", 2nd largest snowstorm of all time

Dulles Airport - 32.4", largest snowstorm of all time

Snow for the year...

45.1" at Reagan National Airport, 3rd snowiest Winter of all time, 9.3" away from the snowiest Winter of all time.

A widespread 20 to 30 inches was recorded across the region.  Now we are worrying about the cold temperatures freezing the wet, heavy snow already in place.  Later we will have to worry about another potential snowstorm (not as big) Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.  Energy from this system is currently split between a disturbance along the west coast and another disturbance over Canada that will phase together just east of the Rockies Monday night into Tuesday morning.  Currently, there will be the potential for multiple inches of snowfall on top of what has already fallen.  We know this is not good with all of the power outages, and traffic problems throughout the region.  We wish we could do something about it!  We will keep you posted to every detail we get into the ABC 7 Weather Center over the next couple of days and will let you know our thoughts as the next system approaches.

This major winter storm is not over just yet!  Winds will remain elevated, sustained at 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph at times.  Last night through today a lighter fluffier snow fell across the region. This fluffy snow, in combination with gusty winds, will result in blowing and drifting today into the overnight.  Today we expect periods of snow to continue into the early afternoon before transitioning to snow showers. By this evening the storm system should begin to pull away allowing the snow to gradually come to an end. An additional 5 to 10 inches of snow can be anticipated as temperatures hold or fall through the 20s by evening. 

Tonight temperatures will drop into the teens which will mean that any surfaces that are sufficiently treated will refreeze.

Sunday skies will be partly sunny but little melting will occur as daytime high temperatures will only near 30 degrees. Another night in the teens will follow.

By Tuesday another storm system may bring another shot at a wintry mix to the region but exact details are not yet clear.

It should become heaviest overnight as the region of low pressure moves off the east coast and rapidly deepens.  Winds will become strong out of the northeast around 20 to 30 mph, and visibilities should become limited, which will make for near-blizzard conditions.  Portions of our region may even be placed under blizzard warnings later tonight, so we will keep you posted on that.

The National Weather Service has passed along some safety tips to take through the day today and overnight.  As always, advanced planning is needed for big weather events as conditions can change very quickly.  Be sure to have batteries and flashlights available in case of power outages.  Have extra food and water available.  Please stay off the roads if at all possible later this evening and tonight to help out first responders.  Ensure that your portable generators are adequately ventilated.  Finally, be sure when shoveling the heavy, wet snow, take multiple breaks to make an easier job.  Either that, or do what my neighbors did in the Blizzard of 96 and hire a young teenager for extra muscle!