Bethesda is under a Winter Storm Watch right now. The sun is shining, but there's a wintry chill in the air.
Winter Storm Saturn is on its way to the DC area.
How many inches of snow will end up falling on Bethesda tonight and on Wednesday?
The average prediction is 5-6 inches. Some forecasters say it could be as many as 8-12.
But here's an intriguing prediction: the now-famous Euro Model is saying the DC area will receive a 1-3" accumulation. This contradicts the majority of forecasts. Yet it is intriguing because the Euro Model was dead-right about the hurricane last fall.
The fact is, nobody knows. But conditions are right for up to a foot of snow. And it is supposed to be a wet, heavy snow. That means more effort to shovel and plow for humans and machines.
Even though the Euro Model sounds unlikely, you can't rule out the data from a model that has been accurate so many times.
The fact that temperatures will rise above freezing on Wednesday could certainly reduce the potential total accumulation.
But that ice and slush will freeze solid after dark again, so watch out.
Today, expect light showers by 5:00 PM, changing over to snow after dark. Accumulation of 1-2" possible tonight. Winds gusting to 30 MPH.
Wednesday, heavy showers and heavy snow. Accumulation of 5-12" possible through Thursday morning. Winds will gust to 35 MPH. Visibility could be affected if snowfall is heavy, due to winds.
Metro and Metrobus are total wildcards in recent years, in contrast to their past practice of operation during all but the worst snows in prior decades.
Stay tuned here and at @BethesdaRow on Twitter for updates throughout the storm!
