Mid-Atlantic mega-storm is mild-mannered in Baltimore
Forecasts to the contrary, the Baltimore region escaped a second big snowstorm, like the one that blitzed New York/New Jersey and New England
Above: Nature’s gift to Baltimore: snow that’s pretty but not problematic. (Fern Shen)
A landscape of slippery roads and skeletal trees cloaked in white greeted the Baltimore area today, a far cry from the “bomb cyclone” blizzard that dumped up to two feet of white stuff on parts of New Jersey, New York, Long Island and Connecticut overnight.
Predictions of heavy snows, especially on the Eastern Shore, led Gov. Wes Moore to declare a state of emergency in Maryland today. But there was not enough cold or moisture to produce blizzard conditions in Baltimore, which got barely 2½ inches of wet snow.
The National Weather Service reported the peak fall in Cecil County (8½ inches in Elkton), followed by 5 inches in Belair, 4 inches in Owings Mills, 3 inches in Timonium, 2.3 inches in Columbia and 2 inches in Annapolis.
Strong winds and occasional snow showers might stir up some blowing snow around Baltimore today, but there’s no hard freeze – unlike last month’s arctic blast – in the forecast before temperatures rise to the low 50s on Wednesday.
Both city and county public schools have reverted to virtual learning today, while Baltimore City Hall is braving the elements with a late morning opening.
Here are a few snapshots from this morning:
On 34th Street in Hampden, bare pavement and about two inches of snow. (Fern Shen)
This 34th Street dude is looking pretty chill today. (Fern Shen)
About a month from now, this bud should be sprouting a big pink magnolia blossom. (Fern Shen)