Snow Squall Warning Rings In New Year 2026 Across Maryland as Sudden Snow and Flash Freeze Slam Baltimore Area
MARYLAND — A fast-moving snow squall swept across parts of central Maryland early Thursday morning, triggering a Snow Squall Warning and delivering a sudden burst of heavy snow, rapidly falling temperatures, and dangerous travel conditions as New Year’s Day 2026 began.
Radar imagery around 4:30 a.m. Thursday showed an intense, narrow band of snow racing through Baltimore and surrounding communities, producing near-whiteout conditions in a short period of time.
Nearly an Inch of Snow in Just 30 Minutes
According to observations shared during the event, the squall dropped nearly 1 inch of snow in about 30 minutes, enough to quickly coat roads, sidewalks, and bridges.
What made the squall especially dangerous was the rapid temperature drop:
- Temperatures fell from around 36°F to 27°F during the squall
- Wet roads quickly flash-froze, creating icy conditions with little warning
This combination of sudden snowfall and freezing temperatures is a hallmark of snow squalls and often leads to a spike in accidents.
Baltimore and Nearby Communities Hit Hardest
The snow squall tracked directly across:
- Baltimore City
- Towson
- Reisterstown
- Westminster
- Columbia
- Glen Burnie
- Portions of Howard, Carroll, and Baltimore counties
Doppler radar showed the strongest snowfall rates aligned just north and west of downtown Baltimore before sweeping southeast.
Why Snow Squalls Are So Dangerous
Unlike traditional snowstorms, snow squalls:
- Arrive with little advance notice
- Produce brief but intense snowfall
- Cause sudden visibility drops
- Often include gusty winds and flash freezing
In this case, drivers encountered rapidly changing conditions within minutes, turning previously wet pavement into slick, icy roadways.
Travel Impacts During the Early Morning Hours
Major roadways affected included:
- Interstate 83
- Interstate 95
- I-695 Baltimore Beltway
- Key state routes around Baltimore and Columbia
Even areas that received only a thin layer of snow experienced hazardous travel due to the quick freeze.
More Arctic Cold Behind the Squall
Behind the squall, arctic air surged into the region, keeping temperatures in the 20s and setting the stage for a cold New Year’s Day. Any untreated surfaces remained icy well after the snow ended.
Officials urge motorists to continue using caution, especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads, where ice may linger.
A New Year’s Reminder for Winter Weather Safety
This New Year’s snow squall served as a reminder that even minor snowfall totals can have major impacts when paired with fast-falling temperatures and strong winds.
More images and time-lapse video from the event are expected to be released later, offering a closer look at how quickly conditions deteriorated.
Stay with WaldronNews.com for continued updates on Maryland winter weather, including snow squalls, arctic cold outbreaks, and travel advisories as the 2026 winter season unfolds.