The National Weather Service’s Baltimore/Washington forecast office issued a high winter storm threat alert Jan. 21, 2026, for a potential major snowfall event across the Mid-Atlantic states late Saturday through Sunday, with heavy accumulations and frigid temperatures posing risks to travel, infrastructure and public safety.
The alert, valid for Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, to Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, covers portions of Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia, as depicted in a forecast graphic showing a broad high-threat area in purple extending from western Maryland through northern Virginia and into parts of West Virginia and southern Pennsylvania. Cities such as Cumberland, Hagerstown, Winchester, Frederick, Harrisonburg, Charlottesville and Washington are within the impacted zone.
The storm is expected to begin Saturday afternoon or evening, peak from Saturday evening into Sunday morning and end by Sunday night. Forecasters anticipate major delays, closures and threats to life and property from heavy snow, which may mix with sleet and freezing rain as the system departs Sunday. A prolonged arctic outbreak is projected to follow next week, bringing frigid temperatures that could lead to pipe bursts and heightened risks of hypothermia.
Snow totals are forecast to include major accumulations, with over 8 inches likely in many locales. The graphic highlights a high threat of significant travel delays, closures and threats to life and property, advising residents to plan ahead to minimize impacts.
This forecast comes amid a pattern of arctic air influencing the region, but meteorologists emphasize uncertainties. The storm track, intensity and exact precipitation types depend on variables such as the position of the low-pressure system, moisture availability and temperature profiles. Shifts in the jet stream or upper-level trough could alter snow amounts or transition more areas to mixed precipitation, reducing totals in southern zones while increasing them northward.
In Southern Maryland, which falls on the southeastern edge of the threat area, residents in counties like St. Mary’s, Charles and Calvert should monitor updates, as the storm could bring lighter snow or a wintry mix depending on the system’s southward extent. The NWS advises preparing emergency kits, securing outdoor items and avoiding unnecessary travel during peak hours.
Historical context from similar events underscores the potential severity. Mid-Atlantic winter storms often disrupt transportation, as seen in past nor’easters that paralyzed interstates like I-95 and I-81. The forecast graphic references potential impacts including road closures and threats to life from exposure or accidents.
Residents are urged to stay informed via official channels. The NWS recommends checking weather.gov/lwx for updates, as models refine the outlook in coming days. Local emergency management offices in affected states have begun disseminating preparedness information.
As of Jan. 21, no watches or warnings have been issued, reflecting the lead time. Forecasters will issue advisories as confidence increases, typically 24 to 48 hours before onset.
This alert aligns with broader winter patterns. The NWS Climate Prediction Center’s seasonal outlooks for 2025-2026 indicated increased chances for below-normal temperatures in the East, driven by La Niña influences, which can enhance cold outbreaks and storm activity.
Preparation steps include stocking non-perishable food, water, medications and batteries; ensuring heating systems are functional; and insulating pipes. For drivers, winter tires or chains may be necessary in higher elevations.
The forecast’s fluidity highlights meteorology’s challenges. Variables like sea surface temperatures and atmospheric blocking patterns can pivot outcomes rapidly, as evidenced by past storms that intensified or weakened unexpectedly.
Communities in the Appalachians, such as those near Cumberland or Romney, face higher risks due to terrain-enhanced snowfall. Urban areas like Baltimore and Washington could see plowing operations strained if accumulations exceed 8 inches.
The NWS graphic, issued at 9:26 a.m. EST Jan. 21, serves as an early heads-up, allowing time for adjustments. Final details will emerge as satellite data and model runs converge.