Feb 6, 2010: Walking Blue the Alaskan Malamute in Baltimore, MD.

It’s official; this massive winter storm is going down in the record books. Hundreds of records are being broken as we speak and this winter storm is making it into many “top 5″ lists in the Northeast/Mid Atlantic. Philadelphia received over 26″ of snow, making this the 2nd greatest snowstorm since records have been kept. It’s tough to beat the February ‘96 superstorm that managed to crank out an impressive 30.7″. Pittsburgh came in at 21.1″, which has made this the 4th greatest recorded snowfall behind the storm of ‘93 which produced over 25″. Let’s not forget that just 6 weeks ago, similar areas were impacted with a tremendous amounts of snow as a massive storm slammed into the Mid Atlantic. To see an event of this magnitude occur twice in less than 2 months in a single season is rare. Washington has only received more than a foot of snow 13 times since 1870… so if you think about that, it’s pretty amazing that this is the 2nd time this season they’ve seen over 12″! In Baltimore, this storm marks the greatest snowstorm since records have been kept and the 2nd snowiest season already–and we’re not done with winter yet. There have been many impassable roads and canceled flights so far today. Over 200,000 people are without power… needless to say, I’m sure a lot of folks are rather frantic considering the Super Bowl is tomorrow! Yikes.

Ready to be even more impressed? Just look at these numbers:

Smith Crossroads, WV: 33″
Howellsville, VA: 32″
BWI, MD: 26.5″
Newark, DE: 21″
El Dora, NJ: 26″

And the snow is not quite over yet. With snowfall rates of 2″ to 3″ and hour, we will indeed be seeing a few more inches adding on to these totals as we head into the evening.

4 PM Radar: Snow continues to pile up

While we’re on our final chapter snow-wise, this storm will be making way for blustery weather after the snow ends. Winds up to 35 mph will continue into the evening, reducing visibilities as it blows the snow around. Fortunately, however, we’re expecting much better weather tomorrow as that system exits the area… giving the Mid Atlantic and Northeast at least one full day of recovery, though it may be ruining a lot of Super Bowl plans (especially emergency crews and officials who are continuing to work their butts off!). Hopefully power will be restored in time for the big game, but I have a hunch that many folks will have to adjust their game plans. It will take a while to get back to normal!

I hate to say it, but the models are indicating that another potential storm could impact the same areas with even MORE winter weather. It’s too early to tell how intense this system will become. The timing of this system would bring rain/snow to the Mid Atlantic by Tuesday switching over all snow on Wednesday. Take a gander at the GFS model… it’s not pretty looking, but looking at the blobs of precipitation on the map gives you a good idea of what’s going on:

GFS Model showing another Mid Atlantic storm

GFS Model: A possible Nor'easter?

We’ll be watching! Stay safe.

Susie Martin
WeatherNation meteorologist