UPDATE: Predicted snowfall totals have increased – click here for details.

Original story below…

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The first-day-of-spring storm that is expected to impact the Baltimore region is constantly changing, which presents a challenge for local forecasters.

The National Weather Service now says that 6 to 8 inches of snow could fall across the greater Baltimore area, as the outburst of severe weather in several states on Monday night would seem to indicate that the storm is intensifying as it treks across the U.S.

At noon on Tuesday, sleet was falling in many locations, and in northern Baltimore County and Harford County, may roads were already snow covered.

Many school systems were closing early and Baltimore County Government officials announced that a “liberal leave” policy would go into effect at 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

Once the sun rises on Wednesday morning, it will be very hard for snow to accumulate given the high March sun angle, so accumulations will have to begin during the overnight hours on Tuesday into Wednesday in order for the current forecast to play out.

Current maps from the National Weather Service are below.