As a powerful winter storm approaches, Ocean City is gearing up for substantial snowfall and challenging travel conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning, effective from 4:00 PM EST today until 7:00 AM EST Wednesday, February 12. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions as the storm is expected to bring heavy snow, with total accumulations between 4 and 6 inches, and localized areas potentially receiving up to 8 inches.
Tuesday, February 11:
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Afternoon: Snow is likely to begin after 4:00 PM, with cloudy skies and a high near 36°F (2°C). Northeast winds around 5 mph will shift to the south later in the day. The chance of precipitation is 60%, with expected daytime snow accumulation of about 1 inch.
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Evening: Snow will intensify, becoming heavy at times before 4:00 AM. Temperatures will drop to around 31°F (-1°C), with northeast winds increasing to 10-15 mph after midnight. The chance of precipitation is 100%, with new snow accumulation between 3 and 7 inches possible.
Wednesday, February 12:
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Morning: A mix of rain and snow is expected before 10:00 AM, transitioning to rain as temperatures rise to a high near 41°F (5°C). Northeast winds will persist at around 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%, with minimal new snow accumulation.
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Evening: Rain is likely, with a low around 38°F (3°C). East winds will blow at 10-15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%, with new rainfall amounts between half and three-quarters of an inch possible.
Thursday, February 13:
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Morning: Rain is likely before 1:00 PM, followed by mostly cloudy skies with a high near 50°F (10°C). South winds at 10-15 mph will shift to the west in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 60%, with new rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch expected.
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Evening: Partly cloudy conditions will prevail, with temperatures dropping to a low around 28°F (-2°C). Winds will remain light, providing a brief respite from the stormy conditions.
Friday, February 14:
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Daytime: Sunny skies return, but temperatures will be cooler, with a high near 39°F (4°C). It’s an ideal day to clear any remaining snow and prepare for the weekend.
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Evening: Mostly cloudy skies will move in, with a low around 29°F (-2°C). Residents should stay updated on the forecast, as another storm system is expected to impact the area over the weekend.
Saturday, February 15:
- Afternoon: Breezy conditions with thickening clouds are anticipated, leading to periods of rain in the afternoon. The high will be around 44°F (6°C), with a low of 43°F (6°C) in the evening. This marks the beginning of a powerful storm expected to affect the area throughout the weekend.
Sunday, February 16:
- Morning: Cloudy skies with rain ending in the morning, becoming breezy in the afternoon. Temperatures will reach a high of 52°F (11°C), with a significant drop to 26°F (-3°C) at night. Residents should be cautious of potential icy conditions as temperatures fall.
Monday, February 17:
- Daytime: Windy and much colder conditions are expected, with plenty of sun and a high near 31°F (-1°C). The low will be around 20°F (-6°C) in the evening. It’s essential to bundle up and protect against the cold.
Preparation and Safety Tips:
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Travel Caution: With heavy snow and potential ice, travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact both the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
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Stay Informed: Regularly monitor local news and weather updates for the latest information on the storm’s progression and any additional warnings.
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Home Safety: Ensure your home is prepared for potential power outages by having batteries, candles, and a supply of non-perishable food items. Keep cell phones charged and have a backup power source if possible.
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Pet Care: Bring pets indoors and ensure they have a warm place to rest. Limit their exposure to the cold, and check their paws for signs of frostbite after being outside.
By staying informed and taking proactive measures, Ocean City residents can navigate this challenging weather event safely. Remember, it’s always better to over-prepare and stay safe than to be caught off guard by Mother Nature’s fury.