UPDATE: Snowfall Fizzles Across Laurel

Update, 2:43 p.m.:

The National Weather Service has canceled the winter storm warning for Laurel and much of the surrounding area.

Instead, a winter weather advisory is in effect until 9 p.m., with more rain expected and snow accumulations of 1-2" still possible. Temperatures should be in the low- to mid-30s with gusts of up to 35 mph.

"Slushy to snow-covered roads combined with temperatures around freezing will produce icy areas," the NWS warns. "Drive with caution."

Update, 12:44 p.m.:

The National Weather Service now projects that the storm will bring an additional 4-6" of snow in the Laurel area on top of any existing accumulations.

Update, 10:48 a.m.:

The latest projection from the National Weather Service shows a total accumulation in the 6-8" range for Laurel and surroundings.

For now, roads in the area are mostly wet or slushy, but meteorologists warn that heavier snows could be on their way this afternoon.

Original article:

The leading edge of a major winter storm lumbered into the Baltimore-Washington corridor late Tuesday night—the first taste of a system that could dump a foot or more of heavy, wet snow across the area.

Most of the region—including Laurel—was under a winter storm warning as of early Wednesday. The National Weather Service expects the precipitation to continue into the evening hours, with daytime highs in the low- to mid-30s and winds gusting up to 35 mph.

Snowfall projections have fluctuated throughout the week, but as of early Wednesday morning, the NWS was calling for total accumulations of 5-10" in the Laurel area by the time the storm winds down Thursday morning.

The system is expected to wreak havoc with those traveling to and from work and may cause extensive power outages.

City officials urge residents to heed parking and sidewalk clearance rules to speed the removal of snow from public spaces. A Laurel City Council meeting has already been recheduled due to the storm, and more closures and delays are likely.

Check back with Patch throughout the day for updates on the storm.

Additional Coverage

• Do You Know Laurel's Snow Policies?
• Laurel Council Work Session Rescheduled for Snow
• Prince George's County Braces for Potentially Major Snowstorm
• BGE: Power Outages Possible in Coming Winter Storm
• BGE Prepares for Looming Winter Storm