2:00 PM | **Snow has tapered off in DC, but will continue for awhile from Philly to NYC**
Paul Dorian
Discussion
While precipitation is winding down across the DC metro region, there are still several hours to go in the corridor from southeastern PA to New York City where heavy snow is now being reported (Central Park). Accumulation amounts in the DC metro region ranged from a trace at Reagan National Airport (DCA) to around 3 inches or so in portions of Montgomery (MD) and Loudoun Counties (VA) – well to the west and north of the District. In some suburban locations in SE PA snowfall amounts are already closing in on 4 inches or so on grassy surfaces and even many roadways are getting covered. Despite the high sun angle in late March, roadways will continue to be slippery into the evening during periods of heavy snow and visibilities will be a problem. The snow will continue at varying intensities right into the early nighttime hours and then could taper off late tonight from Philly to NYC as light freezing drizzle or even light snizzle (i.e., snow drizzle). Accumulations of 3-6 inches are expected on average from the suburbs of Philly across central and northern New Jersey and into the NYC metro region. There will be a lot of melting on Saturday as it gets noticeably milder, but the overall colder-than-normal weather pattern continues right into April. It’s quite amazing to see snow at this hour in places like Atlantic City, NJ and Philly, PA with the temperature at 33 degrees in both places considering the fact that the normal high for March 20th is around 54 degrees. On a more positive note, this storm is very photogenic. The wet nature of the snow is clinging to tree limbs and surrounding early spring flowers that have begun to bloom in parts of the area.