Hopefully you don’t have anywhere urgent to be Monday.

A winter storm warning starts Sunday evening and runs through late Monday night, with forecasters saying anywhere from 4 to 10 inches of snow is possible across the greater-Baltimore area, according to the latest forecast.

Sleet and freezing rain could mix in at times, said National Weather Service meteorologist Brendon Rubin-Oster.

But NWS is also urging people to prepare for a worst-case scenario that could bring 10 inches to the area, said meteorologist Anna Stuck. There’s about a 10% chance the Baltimore region could see that higher amount.

The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.

Earlier in the day, forecasters had warned of the potential for up to a foot of snow, but Stuck said the models changed as the low-pressure system moved from the Mississippi Valley to the East Coast. The Weather Channel is calling it Winter Storm Blair, but NWS only labels hurricanes and tropical storms.

“Snowstorms are always tricky,” to predict, said Rubin-Oster because they feature heavier snow bands “that are prolific for producing those isolated heavy pockets.” That’s why within a broad geographic area, some areas will get much heavier snowfall than others. (Hint: Snow lovers want to be under a snow band.)

A winter storm warning, which is more severe than a watch, is currently in effect for the region.

Gov. Wes Moore declared a State of Preparedness in advance of the elevated winter storm threat to Maryland from Sunday through Monday. The storm will likely affect roads and transportation centers and could cause significant snow accumulation in some parts of the state. Marylanders are cautioned to avoid travel if possible, to follow local forecasts, and to stay prepared for winter storm hazards.

Whether it’s a little snow or a lot, expect to see icy accumulation stick around throughout the week. Temperatures will struggle to rise above freezing throughout the week. Any snow that melts during the day will refreeze overnight as the thermostat plummets into the 20s or teens.

The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.

“What’s key about this event [storm] is that it’s very cold,” Stuck said.

The area was already feeling the chill from an Arctic front that moved into Baltimore Friday, bringing gusty snow showers and school closures with it. The front has laid the ground work for the impending storm. “We don’t have any big question marks of whether it’s going to be cold enough to snow,” said Rubin Oster.

The chilly weather led Baltimore to issue a code blue extreme cold alert through Tuesday. Doing so triggers responses designed to protect unhoused individuals. Residents can call 311 to report concerns about vulnerable neighbors.

View post on X

Ten inches of snow would be almost as much snow as Baltimore got during all of last winter. The most the city has seen was in the winter of 2009-10, when back-to-back blizzards, nicknamed “Snowmageddon,” brought 77 inches to the area.

Last year’s winter season saw 11 inches total, with 9 falling in January, while the year before that saw hardly any accumulation at all.

The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.

The lack of significant recent snowfall led local officials to issue a warning to residents, who may need to locate long-lost snow shovels, window scrapers and plastic tubs of ice melt.

“I know we have not had a lot of snow in the past few years, so we’re just asking all of our residents please take this storm seriously,” Baltimore Office of Emergency Management Director Joey Henderson said Friday.

How to prepare yourself (and your home) for the winter storm

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages people to keep extra blankets, sleeping bags and warm winter coats on hand in case the power goes out. Those with a fireplace can stock up on firewood, but portable kerosene heaters are against the law in Baltimore.

You can conserve heat by closing off unneeded rooms and stuffing towels in the cracks under doors.

Because extreme cold can lead pipes to freeze or burst, it’s a good idea to leave all water taps slightly open so they can drip continuously. And, assuming the power stays on: Keep that home toasty and warm.

The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.

Opening cabinet doors beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks can help with letting warm air circulate around the pipes.

And get that shovel ready: Baltimore residents are required to remove any accumulated snow and ice within 3 hours after the snowfall has ended, or by 11 a.m. if it stops between 3 p.m. and 6 a.m.

School closings

Area school systems hadn’t announced any closures by Saturday afternoon. But inclement weather shutdowns may be on the way. Should schools close, many local kids will have up to three days to play. Beyond that, many local school systems will pivot to virtual learning, which will count toward the minimum required days of instruction under state law.

Amtrak cancellations

For the safety of Amtrak customers and employees, due to forecasted winter weather, the following adjustments have been made, with no alternative transportation being offered:

Saturday, Jan. 4

The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.

Southwest Chief (operating between Los Angeles and Chicago):

  • Train 3 is canceled.

Cardinal (operating between Chicago and New York):

  • Train 50 is canceled.

Texas Eagle (operating between San Antonio and Chicago)

  • Train 22 is canceled.

Sunday, Jan. 5

Long Distance Trains

Texas Eagle (operating between San Antonio and Chicago)

  • Train 21/421 is canceled.

Floridian (operating between Miami and Chicago)

  • Trains 40 & 41 are canceled.

Cardinal (operating between Chicago and New York):

  • Train 51 is canceled.

City of New Orleans (operating between Chicago and New Orleans):

  • Trains 58 & 59 are canceled.

Midwest

Lincoln Service (operating between St. Louis and Chicago):

  • Trains 300, 301, 302, 305, 306 & 307 are canceled.

Missouri River Runner (operating between St. Louis and Kansas City):

  • Trains 311 & 316 are canceled.

Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner (operating between Kansas City and Chicago):

  • Trains 318 & 319 are canceled.

Saluki & Illini Service (operating between Carbondale and Chicago)

  • Trains 390, 391, 392 & 393 are canceled.

Northeast Regional (Boston and Washington):

  • Train 67 is canceled.
  • Train 195 is canceled between Washington and Richmond.
  • Train 157 is canceled between Washington and Norfolk.

Monday, Jan. 6

Acela (operating between Boston and Washington): Trains 2103, 2107, 2108, 2121, 2122, & 2124 are canceled.

  • Trains 2103, 2107, 2108, 2121, 2122, & 2124 are canceled.
  • Trains 2150, 2154, 2168, 2170, & 2172 are canceled between Washington and New York.
  • Trains 2151, 2153, 2155, 2159, & 2173 are canceled between New York and Washington.

Northeast Regional (Boston and Washington):

  • Train 141, 94 & 95 are canceled between Norfolk and Washington.
  • Train 171 is canceled between Roanoke and Washington.
  • Train 125 is canceled between Washington and Newport News.
  • Train 93 is canceled between New York and Norfolk.
  • Train 174 is canceled between Richmond and Washington.
  • Trains 170, 130, 172, 112, 182, 84, 86, 134, 138, 66, 151, 181, 119, 131, 193, 197, 175, 179, & 85 are canceled.

State-Supported Service

Carolinian (operating between Charlotte and New York):

  • Trains 79 & 80 are canceled between Charlotte and Raleigh.

Midwest

Lincoln Service (operating between St. Louis and Chicago):

  • Trains 300, 301, 302, 305, 306, & 307 are canceled.

Missouri River Runner (operating between St. Louis and Kansas City):

  • Trains 311 & 316 are canceled.

Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner (operating between Kansas City and Chicago):

  • Trains 318 & 319 are canceled.

Tuesday, Jan. 7

Northeast Regional (Boston and Washington):

  • Train 86 is canceled between Richmond and Washington.
  • Train 84 is canceled between Norfolk and Washington.