Clipper could bring light snow accumulations Wednesday

In a winter which has generally been defined by light snow events and fluctuating temperatures, this coming Wednesday could provide a continuation of the theme. A clipper system dropping south and east from Canada is likely to bring the potential for light snow on Wednesday as it moves through the Mid Atlantic states and eventually to a position off the Mid Atlantic Coast. Precipitation is expected to be generally light, but the potential exists for a few inches of snow before all is said and done.

What will become more difficult to forecast is the areas where bands of more steady snow will develop. Forecast models have jumped around considerably in regards to the area where these bands will set up. Confidence, currently, is highest in snowfall totals from 1 to 3 inches throughout the forecast area, with an outside chance of higher amounts underneath those steady bands.

Snow is expected to begin as early as Wednesday afternoon, spreading throughout the area from southwest to northeast. As it does so, roads will become slick and slippery. While the PM commute on Wednesday isn’t exactly expected to be a nightmare, overnight travel could be quite slow and the evening commute could be slower than usual if snow is falling. The overnight period from Wednesday into Thursday morning is expected to feature snow throughout the area.

If bands of steadier snow will develop, they’ll do so in the early morning hours of Thursday. By late morning on Thursday, snow will begin to become more spotty again — but the AM commute could be a bit of a mess in some areas. Even light snow accumulation on roads could make travel more difficult than usual.

The bottom line? We’re expecting this to be a light snow event. But as we’ve learned multiple times this winter, the impacts can still be felt — especially for commuters. Hazardous/slippery roads are likely during and after the light snowfall with continued slippery conditions into Thursday and Friday.