The DC region was hit by a winter storm, but where did the snow truly pile up? The transition from snow to sleet caught residents off guard, yet the area witnessed a substantial blanket of snow, varying from 4.5 to 9 inches. But here's the twist: the snow depth isn't the whole story.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has a precise method for measuring snowfall totals. Every six hours, certified observers take measurements at designated sites, and these frequent readings are summed up to calculate the daily or storm snowfall totals. This is different from simply measuring snow depth, as it accounts for any melting or compaction that may occur.
As of Sunday morning, the NWS reported impressive snowfall amounts across Virginia and Maryland. In Virginia, Leesburg led the pack with 6.5 inches, followed closely by Ashburn and Herndon. Maryland's snowfall was equally impressive, with BWI Marshall Airport, Bloomfield, and Adamstown all reaching 6 inches. But the real standout was Simpsonville in Howard County, which boasted a whopping 8.5 inches of snow!
And this is where it gets intriguing: the sleet that followed might not have been as impactful as the snow. While sleet is common, extended periods are rare. The afternoon brought a unique occurrence of prolonged sleet to DC, which could compact the existing snow. However, the highest totals were already recorded before this sleet event.
The most memorable sleet storm in DC's recent history occurred on Valentine's Day in 2007, leaving 2 to 4 inches of sleet across the region. So, while the snow totals may not increase further, the sleet adds an interesting twist to the winter weather narrative.
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