Maryland governor advises residents to "use common sense" during bomb cyclone snowstorm

A winter storm affecting the entire state of Maryland today is now expected to result in 2-3" of snow accumulation in Bethesda and Rockville, according to the National Weather Service. Parts of Montgomery County further north could receive between 3" and 5", the agency said at 4:34 AM this morning. Accuweather is predicting a smaller total of "an inch or two." Of greater concern will be the high winds, which are expected to gust up to 55 MPH at times.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R)

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) advised residents to "[s]tay tuned to your local news stations for updates, heed warnings from state and local authorities, and most importantly, use common sense." Meteorologists are describing the storm as a "bomb cyclone." What is a bomb cyclone or bombogenesis? A storm that strengthens quickly at its beginning, with a rapid fall in barometric pressure over a shorter period of time, is how Accuweather defines the terms. The high winds expected today are a typical characteristic of a bomb cyclone storm.

Because of the high winds, which may continue until 1:00 AM Sunday morning, any loose objects in yards or on balconies should be tied down or brought indoors as early as possible this morning. Winds are expected to cause power outages and falling trees across the area through early Sunday. We are now under a wind advisory and winter weather advisory.

Heavy snow and ice Wednesday could fell trees, power lines in Bethesda

The weather forecasters got it wrong yet again, and we are facing a much more serious winter storm Wednesday than we were told last week. Heavy snow is expected to begin falling sometime after 3:00 AM Wednesday, most likely toward 5:00 or 6:00 AM. Accumulation of 3-6" is possible before precipitation switches over to freezing rain and ice mid-afternoon. Locations in the northern half of Montgomery County could see totals rise to 10". The storm is expected to end by 10:00 PM Wednesday night.

The combination of heavy, wet snow and a coating of ice will create conditions favorable to trees and limbs falling, and power outages. Temperatures will be the critical factor in the ultimate accumulation totals by nightfall Wednesday. This will be another serious test of the "new" Pepco system. With 48 hours of advance notice, the utility will have no excuse to not have called in backup workers from out of state. As a multi-state operation, Pepco parent Exelon has even more resources within its own nationwide workforce than the old Pepco did, so again, there will be no excuses.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has urged residents to check their home emergency kit, and to prepare a plan for power outages.

Winter Storm Harper to hit Bethesda today

Montgomery County is under a winter weather advisory from the National Weather Service. Winter Storm Harper is expected to arrive by mid-afternoon, beginning with showers that will convert to heavy rain by nightfall, continuing overnight through Sunday morning.

A flash freeze is predicted to occur between 1:00 and 3:00 PM Sunday afternoon, creating treacherous conditions on roads. Gusty winds will build up starting Sunday morning, peaking around 22 MPH by midday, with gusts up to 28 MPH possible. By Sunday night, temperatures will be around 12 degrees, but wind chills will make it feel like an even more brutal -11 degrees.

The projected temperatures during the precipitation make any significant accumulation of snow unlikely over the next 48 hours. Wet roads and sidewalks freezing on Sunday, as well as possible flooding tonight, will be the primary dangers of Winter Storm Harper.

Bethesda snow update

Woodmont Avenue at Norfolk Avenue
near Veterans Park in Bethesda

Montgomery County was hit hard by Winter Storm Gia over the last 48 hours. Snowfall totals ranged from 9.5-10.5" in parts of Bethesda to 11" in White Oak, 11.5" in Rockville and 12" in Germantown and Damascus.

Suburban News Network

STORM CENTER

A Snow Emergency is in effect. The federal government is closed.

Conditions are poor on Massachusetts Avenue
at Cromwell Drive in Bethesda, a state road

Montgomery County Public Schools are closed today, as is the Montgomery County government. All County facilities except for police and fire stations are closed, as well.

Metrorail subway lines and MetroAccess are operating on a normal weekday schedule, but Metrobus is on a Severe Snow Plan, meaning service is mostly limited to main thoroughfares. Ride On bus is operating on a normal weekday schedule. MARC train is operating on an R schedule. Northbound I-270 just south of Montrose Road is in bad shape, with multiple collisions reported in that area this morning, including one involving a police cruiser.

Route 355 at Mannakee Street
in Rockville

Rockville city government and city facilities are closed today, and tonight's Mayor and Council meeting has been cancelled. City trash collection won't take place today, and will be delayed one day for all customers the rest of this week.

Route 29 at Randolph Road
in East County

Takoma Park's city government announced last night it would be closed today if the federal government closed, as it has. City-operated child care is also closed today. City Manager Suzanne Ludlow claims that trash will be collected on-time today, and for the rest of the week. Takoma Park does have its own snow removal service, so perhaps they will be able to clear streets enough to do this.

Georgia Avenue at
Aspen Hill Road

Bethesda snow update - forecasts, cancellations, closures

Bradley Boulevard at
Bradley Shopping Center

Snow continues to fall steadily across Bethesda. The National Weather Service is forecasting a total of up to 12" of accumulation by the time the storm ends this evening. Montgomery County is currently plowing primary roads and snow emergency routes. Metrobus is operating on regular Sunday hours, but many routes may have detours due to road conditions, especially along secondary streets. Ride On buses are running on normal Sunday schedule. All community use activities in Montgomery County government and public school buildings today are canceled. All 3 major airports are open, but individual flights are subject to cancellation - call ahead before leaving. Amtrak's Northeast Corridor is operating with some delays.

Old Georgetown Road at
Cedar Lane

Here are some of the cancellations that have come across the Suburban News Network news desk this morning:

Church in Bethesda (5033 Wilson Lane)

Cera Wax Studio

La Bohemia Bakery

Chef Tony's *brunch* - will make decision later on dinner service
Call 301-654-3737 for updates

Pool at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center fitness center

River Road westbound
near Wilson Lane

Bethesda snow accumulation forecast revised upward as Winter Storm Gia path changes

Suburban News Network

STORM CENTER

Winter Storm Gia's path has drifted northward as it approaches the D.C. area, and forecasters have adjusted their snow accumulation totals accordingly. Montgomery County is now expected to receive between three to six inches by Sunday evening. The start of the snowfall is now expected to begin two hours later today - 4:00 PM instead of 2:00, indicating the storm has slowed slightly. Gia is currently advancing over the I-81 corridor. A slower storm could mean totals would be at the higher end of the forecasted spectrum.

County Executive Marc Elrich appears to be taking a proactive approach to the storm. Major and secondary County roadways had been pretreated by Friday night, while the state was behind schedule in treating highways they control within the County. "I ask all Marylanders to put safety first by staying off the roads during the storm, following your local weather forecasts, and heeding all warnings,” Maryland Governor Larry Hogan said Friday.

Safeway issues "storm alert," crews treat roads ahead of Bethesda snowstorm

The first winter storm of 2019 is about thirty hours away, and preparations have been a mixed-bag, particularly as forecasters scale back the expected accumulation numbers for the D.C. area. Some Safeway stores in the county have posted signs outside declaring a "Storm Alert," exhorting customers to "Be Prepared! Stock up on supplies today!" But there was no apparent rush on supermarkets as of last night. The Safeway store at the Shops at Sumner Place in Bethesda was fully stocked with milk, bread and paper goods inside, and snow shovels and firewood outside. Other grocery stores visited last night were equally well-stocked.

Montgomery County's Department of Transportation was a bit more busy. Trucks were pretreating roads from Bethesda to Burtonsville Thursday night into Friday morning.

Suburban News Network

STORM CENTER

Winter Storm Gia is expected to hit Montgomery County around 2:00 PM tomorrow. Temperatures should be just above freezing at that time, but will drop below 32 degrees over the next few hours after that. Expect a snow accumulation of around 2 inches by Sunday night. Low temperatures will make for dangerous travel conditions.

How many inches of snow in Bethesda so far?

How many inches of snow in Bethesda as of this point in the blizzard? An official total at 8:30 AM showed 16", but I've received reports of 17 and as many as 19 inches from around town.

The current temperature is 24.3 degrees. Expect the snow and wind to increase around 11 AM again through mid-afternoon, when we are forecast to get at least another three inches.

Snow is predicted to taper off as early as 10 or 11 PM tonight.

Stay tuned here and on Twitter at @BethesdaRow for updates throughout the storm.

BETHESDA SNOW UPDATE/FORECAST - #DC #WEATHER

A few days before springing forward to Daylight Savings Time, winter is going out kicking and screaming. Yes, another snowstorm is headed our way tonight. We will be experiencing rain throughout the day today with our relatively warmer temperatures (our high will be 46°F this afternoon), but overnight that will switch to snow. By 5 AM Thursday, we'll be at the freezing mark - just in time for rush hour, of course.

Snow will begin to taper off by 5 PM Thursday, and our total accumulation will be in the 3"-7" range, with some forecasters calling for 10" at the higher end of the spectrum. A frigid Friday means we'll be iced in by whatever has fallen until it begins to melt Saturday. If recent storms are a guide, that initial freeze will slow the melting process even once temperatures have gone above freezing this weekend.

Our current temperature is a downright-balmy 39°, and fog will be a problem early this morning. Take an umbrella. Winds are WSW at 4 MPH.

Stay tuned here and on Twitter at @BethesdaRow for updates throughout the storm tonight and tomorrow.

BETHESDA SNOW UPDATE AND FORECAST #DC #THOR

The DC area will be under a Winter Weather Advisory from noon until 10:00 PM tonight, as snow, sleet and freezing rain associated with Winter Storm Thor are expected to create hazardous road conditions this evening.

Thor is expected to hit at midday. We will be getting up to an inch of snow and sleet, according to the NWS; the Weather Channel is showing slightly higher amounts.

What could be worse for drivers, falling limbs and trees, and power outages, is that we are again facing a coating of ice around a tenth of an inch today.

It is currently a frigid 22°F. The good news is that, beginning around 7:00 PM tonight, we will be rising above freezing, and continue to heat up overnight. That will turn the precipitation into rain.

Prepare to enjoy a rainy but comparatively toasty 47° high on Wednesday.

BETHESDA SNOW UPDATE, FORECAST - WINTER STORM #SPARTA #DC #WEATHER

Bethesda will be under a Winter Weather Advisory from 7:00 AM this morning until 3:00 AM Monday morning. According to the National Weather Service, snow will begin to fall sometime between 7:00 and 10:00 AM this morning. At some point between noon and 3:00 PM, it will change to sleet, and then freezing rain. All told, the NWS forecasts 1-2" of accumulation of snow and sleet, and a tenth of an inch of ice.

This will make for hazardous driving through tonight on area roads.

The current temperature in Bethesda is 23°F, and we'll hit the low-mid 30s by afternoon, before dropping back to the low 30s tonight. Winds will be South, 10-15 MPH today.

Here are some of the current temperatures around Bethesda:

Woodmont Triangle 25.4°

Chevy Chase 25°

Greenwich Forest 25.2°

Brookdale 24.7°

Nahant Street 26.2°

Falmouth Road (Spring Hill) 26.1°

Fort Sumner 24.5°

Burning Tree 24.4°

Stay tuned here and at @BethesdaRow on Twitter for updates during the storm.

BETHESDA SNOW UPDATE: WINTER STORM REMUS HITS BETHESDA, FORECAST

Bethesda will get slammed by Winter Storm Remus during this morning's rush hour - not so much in snow accumulation, but in terms of deteriorating road conditions. The National Weather Service is forecasting the heaviest snowfall to drop between 4:00 and 8:00 this morning.

We are under a Winter Weather Advisory until noon, and snowfall is expected to stick and be in the 1-2" range. Winds will be 10-15 MPH, with temperatures in the mid-to-upper 20s.

It is currently just below 30°F in Bethesda - that will drop in the hours ahead, and then rise to a high of 33° by 4:00 PM. Skies will then be partly cloudy tonight and on Friday.

Currently, the federal government will open on a 2-hour delay this morning.

Stay tuned here and at @BethesdaRow on Twitter for updates during the storm.

BETHESDA SNOW UPDATE AND FORECAST

Temperatures in Bethesda plunged into the single digits overnight, and you might say the beatings will continue until the weather improves. A snowstorm is fast approaching from the south. Winter Storm Octavia is expected to drop around 5" of snow from tonight through mid-morning on Tuesday. The National Weather Service is calling for a minimum of 4", to a maximum of 8".

We remain under a Wind Chill Advisory until 10:00 AM this morning. Snow is likely to start around 4:00 PM this afternoon, and with temperatures remaining below the freezing mark all day, that snow is going to stick to roads.

Temperatures tonight will be in the teens, which may seem like summer compared to last night's -9° F wind chill in Bethesda. Heavy snow will move in over the night, and temperatures in the teens Tuesday morning means a nightmarish commute. The high Tuesday is expected to only reach 30°.

BETHESDA/DC AREA SNOW FORECAST

How many inches of snow will Bethesda and the DC region get from this nasty, late winter storm tonight?

A winter storm warning is in effect across the region today from 2:00 PM until 2:00 PM Monday. Rain is forecast to begin this afternoon, and change over to snow as the sun sets. The heaviest snow will fall during the overnight hours tonight. Currently, the National Weather Service is calling for accumulation of 5 inches, or more. Temperatures will be in the 20s overnight.

Winds during the storm will gust up to 20 MPH, but average around 10.

Highs on Monday will remain in the lower 30s, meaning travel will be dangerous, and road conditions could remain hazardous throughout the day.

Stay tuned for updates here on the blog, and at @BethesdaRow on Twitter. Not following me on Twitter? This is a good time to correct that problem!

BETHESDA / DC SNOW UPDATE - HOW MANY INCHES WILL FRIDAY NIGHT'S STORM BRING?

The current temperature in Bethesda ranges from 30° F in Sumner to 33° in Bradley Hills.

Expect delays on the Red Line for Shady Grove-bound trains, but Metro subways are operating. The only Metrobus routes operating in Maryland are: 83, A12, C4, C22, D12, F4, J2, K6, P12, Q1, T18, Y9, Z8. Ride On buses are on the S Schedule, which means they are (supposedly) running, but won't adhere to the posted route schedules.

The federal government is opening 2 hours late, and Montgomery County Government and schools are closed. Cabin John Ice Rink is closed today.

We could get an additional 1-3" of snow overnight, as temperatures will drop below freezing.

BETHESDA / DC SNOW UPDATE - HOW MANY INCHES TO EXPECT

It is currently 32° F in Bethesda, and we are under a Winter Storm Warning until 3 PM. There is a possibility of 2-4 more inches of snow on top of what's out there already by this afternoon, when it is expected to taper off. Temperatures could (hopefully!) reach the mid-30s by that time. Winds will gust up to 35 MPH, which could lead to power outages.

Metrobus service is suspended, and most - if not all - flights out of BWI Marshall Airport are canceled. If you can get to it, the Metro subway is running on all lines.

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.

BETHESDA / DC SNOW FORECAST: HOW MANY INCHES TO EXPECT

We are now under a Winter Storm Warning across the DC Metro area, from 7:00 tonight, through Thursday evening.

It is currently a frosty 17° F in Bethesda. Expect the real snow to start after 8:00 PM tonight, with accumulation of 4-8 inches by Thursday afternoon. The temperature could drop into the upper teens tonight. Temperatures in the low 30s on Thursday could create a mix of snow and freezing rain. Because atmospheric conditions suggest a heavy, wet snow, cleanup will be more difficult, and power outages are likely. Winds will pick up Thursday, with gusts in the 30 MPH range, adding to the likelihood of outages.

Some stores appeared to be running low on the most popular types of milk last evening, but most other items were in stock.

Take a flashlight, food and water in your vehicle if you must travel during Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

BETHESDA / DC AREA SNOW FORECAST AND WEATHER REPORT

The snow forecast for Bethesda is insignificant today. Expect a mix of rain and snow between early morning and mid-afternoon. Temperatures are forecast to remain above freezing throughout the day. Clouds will give way to clear skies by 8:00 tonight, but temperatures will drop below freezing - expect them to be in the upper twenties overnight.

BETHESDA SNOW UPDATE - WINTER STORM SATURN - MARYLAND, DC

Well, so far the weather experts have been dead wrong on Winter Storm Saturn. Rain starting at 5 PM yesterday? Never happened. 1-3" of snow last night? Nope. Now they're telling us the worst is still to come today. I don't have much faith in these "experts."

Roads are slick but quite passable at this hour.

Schools and the federal government are closed. The Maryland state government is on liberal leave.

Almost all Metrobus routes are running, but some are on "limited" schedules. That means more waiting than usual at bus stops.

Forecast remains the same, with snow accumulation of 5-6" by tomorrow, while other models say anywhere from 3-12".

Stay tuned here and at @BethesdaRow on Twitter for updates.