Coastal Winter Storm to Bring Snow, Wind, and Tidal Concerns to Delmarva This Weekend

A rapidly intensifying coastal storm is expected to develop off the East Coast this weekend, bringing a combination of snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding concerns to parts of the Delmarva Peninsula. While the storm is forecast to track far enough offshore to limit widespread impacts inland, coastal and southern portions of Delmarva remain at […]

A rapidly intensifying coastal storm is expected to develop off the East Coast this weekend, bringing a combination of snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding concerns to parts of the Delmarva Peninsula. While the storm is forecast to track far enough offshore to limit widespread impacts inland, coastal and southern portions of Delmarva remain at risk for more significant winter weather impacts.

Snowfall Forecast

Snowfall amounts across Delmarva will feature a very sharp gradient, with accumulations increasing quickly from north to south and from inland areas toward the coast.

Northern and central Delaware, along with much of interior Maryland’s Eastern Shore, are expected to see little accumulation, generally less than 1 inch. This includes areas such as Dover, Easton, and much of inland Kent and Queen Anne’s counties.

Across central Delmarva, including Cambridge and Georgetown, snowfall totals are forecast to range from a coating up to around 1 inch, with 1 to 3 inches possible near Salisbury.

The highest snowfall totals are expected along the coast and across southern Delmarva. Ocean City could see 2 to 5 inches of snow, while farther south, Pocomoke City is forecast to receive 3 to 6 inches. The most significant accumulations are expected across Chincoteague, Exmore, and Cape Charles, where 4 to 8 inches of snow remain possible.

We stress that even small shifts in the storm’s track could result in noticeable changes to snowfall totals, especially along the northern edge of the heavier snow band.

Timing and Impacts

Snow is expected to develop Saturday night, with the highest confidence for accumulation occurring overnight into Sunday morning. Snow should gradually taper off from west to east by late Sunday morning.

Strong winds will become an increasing concern early Sunday morning through Sunday evening, coinciding with the period of rapid storm intensification offshore. Gusts along the Delmarva coastline could approach or exceed 55mph, especially in exposed coastal locations.

The combination of snow and strong winds could lead to blowing and drifting snow, particularly in southern Delaware and along the coast. These conditions may reduce visibility and create hazardous travel, even where snowfall totals are not extreme.

Coastal Flooding Concerns

At least minor tidal flooding is possible during the high tide cycle on Sunday, with some impacts potentially lingering into Monday. While wind direction is expected to limit more severe flooding, higher astronomical tides associated with the full moon, combined with increasing offshore swells, may exacerbate water level rises.

Additional complications include existing ice on bays and waterways, which could influence how water levels respond during high tide.

Forecast Confidence

Confidence is increasing that Delmarva will experience impacts from this winter storm, though confidence in exact snowfall placement remains below average. The storm is expected to remain offshore, but a shift of as little as 50 miles could significantly change snowfall totals across the peninsula.

Residents across Delmarva, especially in coastal and southern communities, are urged to monitor the forecast closely as additional updates and potential advisories may be issued over the next 24 hours.