[Read the latest: Maryland braces for major winter storm with heavy snow, ice, extreme cold]

Maryland is bracing for a major winter storm this weekend that’s expected to bring heavy snow and ice, likely having a major impact on roads, air travel, businesses and schools into next week.

Snowfall will start Saturday evening and continue into Sunday, with a high likelihood of at least 5 inches of snow and possibly more than 10, the National Weather Service said Thursday. Significant ice accumulation is also possible on Sunday south of Interstate 70.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for much of Maryland starting Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon. During the storm, visibility could be one-quarter mile or less, making travel very difficult, according to NWS.

The storm system is expected to sweep across much of the East Coast by Sunday, with millions of people under some type of winter weather watch, warning or advisory.

At this point, there’s little to no chance the storm will change paths or lose strength, said Cody Ledbetter, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service’s Baltimore/Washington office. The Baltimore region can expect at least 3 to 6 inches of pure snow, he said.

The worst-case scenario for the region is up to 18 inches of snowfall if there’s no mixing of sleet and freezing rain, Ledbetter said. That is less likely, as the forecast indicates at least some mixed precipitation starting Sunday morning, Ledbetter said.

“It won’t change the impacts, really. If anything, it makes it worse,” he said. “No matter how you slice it, it’s going to be a very impactful winter storm when all said and done.”

Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of preparedness, activating the Department of Emergency Management to get ready for snowy and icy conditions. Baltimore has more than 15,000 tons of salt for treating roadways, according to a news release.

Baltimore will be under a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert from Friday evening to Tuesday, officials announced.

“Baltimore is expected to experience freezing temperatures this weekend, and we want to make sure all of our residents are safe and healthy,” Baltimore City Health Commissioner Michelle Taylor said in a news release. “Practice habits to keep yourself warm and protected, as cold-related injuries occur quickly. Please stay inside as much as possible, dress in warm layers, and if you need shelter information or any assistance, please do not hesitate to call 311.”

Baltimoreans should prepare for the storm, getting any necessary groceries and medicines for the weekend and ensuring there’s an emergency kit in the car.

Cancellations

As school and college officials look at the forecast, several universities have already canceled classes.

Towson University announced on Thursday that it was delaying the start to the spring semester ahead of the winter storm. The university will be closed from Sunday through Tuesday, and all classes will be canceled. The university also suggested that students living on campus should delay moving back for the spring semester until Tuesday, according to their website.

Bowie State University, McDaniel College, The University of Maryland, Baltimore and University of Maryland Eastern Shore will also close, cancel classes or go remote next week.

Some events are already being canceled.

The Orioles were forced to cancel Saturday events of the annual Birdland Caravan. Additionally, because players were scheduled to arrive in Baltimore from around the country, some originally scheduled participants aren’t able to make appearances Friday. An event on Friday is also canceled: The Oriole Bird and Mr. Splash will no longer hold a meet and greet opportunity at the Bel Air Weis Market.

Below freezing temperatures

The weather service also warned about a prolonged period of subzero wind chills starting Friday evening that could linger through the middle of next week.

Once the storm passes, temperatures will stay below freezing through much of next week, Ledbetter said. Temperatures will stay in the teens and mid-20s, which could be dangerous for water pipes, Ledbetter said. People should have alternative heat sources at the ready if necessary, Ledbetter said.

Wind chills could also make it feel even colder.

“It’s not going to be super windy, but even a light breeze will take them [temperatures] down likely below zero,” he said.

The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services enacted a Code Blue starting Thursday at 4 p.m. through Jan. 27 at 9 a.m. City-funded shelters will be available for overnight stays, and a handful of buildings will operate as warming centers.

A list of shelters and warming centers is available on the city’s website.

Many surrounding counties also provide shelters during severe winter weather, including Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties.

This article has been updated.

Banner reporter Darreonna Davis contributed to this report.