New snow blows into area forecast

February 14, 1997

BRENDAN KIRBY

Staff Writer

A snowy cover topped with sleet and freezing rain could make for hazardous driving conditions this morning, according to weather forecasters.

Forecasts called for 3 to 5 inches of snow to fall in Washington County by dawn today, meteorologist Tom Dougherty of the National Weather Service said. After that, the precipitation is supposed to change over to sleet and freezing rain.

"Tomorrow morning's rush hour could be a little tricky with slippery conditions," Hagerstown weather observer Greg Keefer said.

At least the snow might melt a little bit today. Dougherty said the temperature could reach the upper 30s today.

Saturday calls from more of the same, with a 40 percent chance of snow. Temperatures in the upper 30s could change that snow into rain.

On Sunday, the forecast calls for scattered snow showers or flurries, with the high around 35 degrees.

"By the end of the week, it looks like another warming trend," Keefer said. "Nowhere near as exciting as last year."

When the snow does fall, law enforcement officials can only hope it does not cause too many accidents.

"Just keep your fingers crossed that they don't have a bunch," Hagerstown City Police Sgt. John Ryder said. "Because that can really cause havoc with all we have to do."

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