I must be a glutton for punishment asking for a grade on my forecast for this storm.. The winter weather event that hit our region on Saturday January 18, 2020 ended as expected, but it didn’t start that way. With the snow on radar in the morning, the cold air was too dry for it to reach the ground.  The ‘thump’ of snow I called for should have lasted 1 to 3 hours.  It did show on radar, but only barely broke through for a simple coating or nothing in many areas.

That morning snow was only part of the total storm forecast, but what many will remember. The angry posts on-line piled up much higher than the snow before lunch time. Funny, I didn’t hear back from those people when the ice began.

My call for a few hours of a lull before Part 2 I am glad I saw a few days before. That second phase of the storm was what mostly brought sleet, freezing rain, and the worst road conditions. That part played out well.

My call for areas that stayed icy were in my forecast before The National Weather Service issued their Winter Weather Advisory for the same counties. So I hope I helped you prepare. I consider that a win.

My Grade

Here is what I considered on my grade sheet. I may grade harder or easier than you. I am confident that I did not buy into the hype while others built it up. I gave all the details I could to help you prepare.  The main miss was the dry air eating up the morning snow.  I really thought the ‘thump’ would overcome it, but it wasn’t enough.  It will be considered next time.

What would you grade me?

Please see the maps and recap below. Then check back in on my social media post and let me know what you think.

 

Snowfall Totals

 

My Call For Snowfall AND Ice

If you look beyond the snow that didn’t add up, the regions I colored in Purple and Blue were where I expected the ice to be an issue through the afternoon.

 

The Winter Weather Advisory

These counties matched my region for icing and were where the ice problems developed for most.

Ice Forecast 

I included this with the snow forecast to highlight the importance of the icing during the afternoon.

 

Local Snow Report

 

 

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WEATHER WIFE COLLECTION

  • Thanks to Shannon (weather wife) for hand picking items ‘she’ wants to wear
  • The Yoga Pants have side leg pocket for your phone
  • The Hoodie is extra soft and has the important ‘thumb holes’

FITF Store: Weather Wife

 

Winter Outlook Series:

My Call For Snowfall Winter 2019-2020

 

 

   

 

Snowy Winters Following A Hot and Dry September

 

NOAA Winter Outlook Leaves Room For More Snow With Mild ‘Seasonal Average’ Temperatures

Other  Links:

See the maps for when we normally expect the first frost in this link.

Baltimore Weather At BWI May Not Be As Hot As Reported

Construction at the airport close to the weather station may be added artificial heat. Click here or the image for the details.

 

 

Was Your County Not Included?

Click this map for more on the regional forecast zones

 

Maryland Trek Cycle Jerseys From Hill Killer

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Thank you to our Title Sponsor for Maryland Trek 6

Shining on with Smyth and their contribution, our team has raised over $95,000 for Just In Power Kids to provide free programs for kids in and post cancer treatment.

Just In Power Kids:

Proceeds go to our programs Providing FREE holistic care for kids in cancer treatment and up to 5 years post treatment and caregivers.

 

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