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Maryland Bears the Brunt (Image Credits: Wtop.com)
Washington D.C. region – A winter storm swept through the capital area on February 22 and 23, leaving behind uneven layers of heavy, wet snow that ranged from trace amounts to over seven inches in select spots.[1][2]
Maryland Bears the Brunt
The highest accumulations piled up in Maryland suburbs northwest of the city. Reports showed up to 7.1 inches near Damascus, while nearby Gaithersburg recorded 5.8 inches from a National Weather Service employee measurement.[1] Carroll County locations like Watersville tallied 6.8 inches, highlighting how the storm favored elevated terrain.[3]
Closer to the Beltway, totals dropped off. Columbia measured 3.0 inches, and BWI Airport logged just 1.9 inches. Southern counties saw variability too, with Prince Frederick at 6.0 inches in Calvert County but Chesapeake Beach at 1.5 inches.[2] This wet snow clung to branches, raising concerns for downed lines.
Virginia Reports Solid but Lower Totals
Across the Potomac, Virginia suburbs experienced lighter but still disruptive snow. Reston led with 4.5 inches, followed by Fairfax at 4.0 inches and Falls Church at 3.2 inches.[4] Herndon matched Falls Church’s mark, while Ashburn picked up 2.8 inches.[4]
Father out, accumulations thinned quickly. Dulles International Airport reported 2.0 inches, and Reagan National Airport saw only 1.0 inch. Loudoun County spots like Bloomery reached 5.8 inches, but most NoVA areas stayed under 4 inches.[2]
D.C. Core and the Urban Effect
In the District itself, snow settled around 3 inches in most reports. Catholic University measured 3.6 inches, and American University recorded 3.0 inches early on February 23.[1] Nearby CoCoRaHS observers noted similar figures north of the city.
The heavy, wet nature amplified urban challenges. Roads turned slushy, and plows worked overnight. Schools delayed openings as crews cleared paths.[4]
Spotlight on Key Measurements
| Location | Snowfall (inches) | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Damascus 3 SSW | 7.1 | MD |
| Watersville 1 N | 6.8 | MD |
| Gaithersburg | 5.8 | MD |
| Reston 2 N | 4.5 | VA |
| Fairfax | 4.0 | VA |
| Catholic University | 3.6 | DC |
| Reagan National Airport | 1.0 | VA |
These figures, drawn from trained spotters and official observers, illustrate the storm’s patchy delivery.[1]
Key Takeaways
- Maryland suburbs northwest of D.C. saw the deepest snow, up to 7 inches.
- Virginia and D.C. mostly received 1 to 4.5 inches, sparing heavier burdens.
- Wet snow posed risks to trees and power infrastructure across the region.
Residents now face melting snow as temperatures climb into the 50s. Cleanup continues, but the storm reminded the region of winter’s lingering bite. What totals did your neighborhood see? Tell us in the comments.
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