It has been awhile since the mid-Atlantic area has experienced such a widespread snowfall. Let us take the time to revel in scenes such as the one above. Here is betting that on this January 6 most of us will get more enjoyment out of seeing this than what we saw in this same location exactly four years ago today.
The forecast for the Salisbury area remains virtually unchanged as the sun rises on a blanket of snow this morning.
The NWS has thus far been spot on in their briefings over the past 24 to 48 hours, so there is really no apparent reason to stray far from their forecast.
Light snow began in Wicomico County, from west to east, this morning between 1 AM and 2 AM and has continued on the light side non-stop since then. Temperatures throughout the Salisbury area were near 28 degrees at the outset of this event.
Here is a look at the early morning 5 AM radar, showing the early morning conditions throughout the regional area.
The snow will increase in intensity this morning. Most of us will see 2 to 3 inches of snow on the ground by the time morning rush hour begins.
Drive carefully if you must head out and remember that hazardous snow covered roads dictate the safe speed to drive…not the speed limit sign! Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you as breaking distances are increased on snow and ice.
As the morning wears on the heaviest period of snow is expected to be between 7 and 11 AM. Many of us, depending upon our location, will have picked up 4 to 7 inches of snow by that time, when a possible transition to sleet may occur.
Here is an image from the HRRR (High Resolution Rapid Refresh) model that shows the expectation for the Eastern Shore at or around the lunch hour today.
While long term trends are given by the ECMWF and GFS global weather models, the HRRR model image, shown above, gives a higher definition image focused on a shorter time frame of just 36 hours. It is generally reliable for a short term forecast.
Mixed precipitation and even a lull in activity could possibly take place during the afternoon as some warmer air aloft moves through the area.
Sleet that accumulates on top of the snowpack provides extremely hazardous conditions as it will remain frozen.
The period of mixed precipitation will be followed by another round of heavy snow as winds shift predominately from the east to the northwest.
The late day hours may leave Delmarva looking at a thick layer of snow, covered by an inch of sleet, which in turn can be covered by another 1 to 3 inches of snow.
This Salisbury Weather blogger felt obligated to give a detailed outlook of what is expected in Salisbury today from a local perspective. Here is hoping that you found it informative.
Now, here is the official NWS forecast from our friends in Wakefield, VA.
Today: Snow likely. Some sleet may mix in. High 34F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 100%. Snow accumulating 5 to 8 inches.
Tonight: Snow this evening will give way to some clearing late. Low 21F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 90%. About one inch of snow expected.
Tomorrow: Mostly sunny skies with gusty winds. High near 35F. Winds NW at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.
Here is the current model animation of what is to come over the next few hours. Note that snow totals in the model are affected by any sleet that may mix in.
Please feel free to share your comments or questions. Days like this make it enjoyable to engage in conversation about the weather.