Snowquester: Wet, Heavy Snow, Gusty Winds May Begin Tonight

A winter storm watch is in effect from Tuesday evening through Wednesday evening in Howard County where, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), more than 5 inches of snow is possible, "With the potential for more than a foot" in some areas.  

It's not forecast to be the light, fluffy stuff, either. "Heavy, wet snow" coupled with "gusty winds" could lead to hazardous roads and power outages, according to NWS.

The Maryland State Highway Administration (MSHA) was making staffing plans as of Monday afternoon, according to the MSHA Facebook page.

MSHA warned, "If we do get many inches of snow it will take time (possibly several hours) before bare pavement is feasible. Please allow our crews the space they need to do their job safely," adding, "With so many storms missing our area in the past two years, it is easy to become complacent. We encourage you to take this the storm seriously and prepare."

Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. has requested 500 extra workers through mutual assistance to help with any power outages in its central Maryland coverage area, according to a statement released Monday afternoon.

"Coupled with high wind gusts, heavy, wet snow can cover tree limbs, electric delivery equipment and power lines, and cause power outages,"  BGE officials wrote in the statement.

The company warned residents to "prepare for the possibility of extended power outages" if road conditions were to become "treacherous," and noted that with gusty winds, use of bucket trucks to make repairs might be delayed even once the snow has stopped.  

Precipitation is expected to begin as a rain/snow mix, turning to all snow late Tuesday evening and into Wednesday morning, according to the NWS forecast discussion:

"Forecast confidence of heavy precipitation is high" -- 90 percent as of Monday evening -- "But questions remain over how quickly surface temps drop and its implication on exact location and timing of changeover to snow."

Do you think we'll get 5 inches of snow? More? None? What's YOUR forecast? Tell us in the comments.