BETHESDA RESIDENTS FRANTICALLY STOCK UP AS SNOW HITS DC AREA (PHOTOS)

Store shelves are being swept clean as Bethesda residents stock up for what could be a 5-day snowbound weekend. Snow began falling with surprising steadiness during the evening rush, and essentials started flying off store shelves.

The shelves weren't bare yet at the Bethesda Row Giant earlier this evening, as you can see in these photos, but emptier than usual.

Latest National Weather Service forecasts boosted maximum possible accumulation projections to the 11-12" range.

Stay tuned here and on Twitter (@BethesdaRow) throughout the storm.