UPDATE: Snow Less Likely Thursday in Baltimore County

UPDATE (Jan. 17, 12:54 p.m.)—The Baltimore area may have dodged 2013's first snow storm. Conditions have been significantly downgraded from earlier predictions of more than 5 inches of snow in the southern areas of Maryland.

Thursday afternoon could bring up to 3 inches of snow to southern parts of the metro area and up to 2 inches of snow in the northern areas. Expect a high temperature in the upper 30s and northwest winds between 5 and 10 mph. Snowfall may continue in the evening with temperatures in the lower 30s, the National Weather Service reports. 

But the brunt of the storm will likely hit farther south. The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch for Howard, Anne Arundel and Queen Anne's counties and points south, including much of northern Virginia. Traffic conditions could be hazardous in those areas as more than 5 inches of snow is possible. 

The Maryland State Highway Administration asks drivers to try their best to move disabled vehicles onto the shoulder during hazardous weather conditions.

Drivers should also keep emergency survival kits including the following, according to the SHA: 

• a shovel
• jumper cables
• snacks
• blanket or sleeping bag
• flashlight with extra batteries
• high calorie non-perishable food
• first aid kit
• extra clothes
• bottled water
• a charged cell phone
• kitty litter or other abrasives

For updates on major incidents, delays, estimated travel times and weather conditions, drivers may call the SHA's traffic hotline at 511 or visit md511.org. 

Check Patch for updates. 

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