Cumberland, Maryland – Travel across the Allegheny Highlands could turn dangerous late Friday as heavy snow, intense wind gusts, and rapidly falling temperatures combine to produce near-blizzard conditions into early Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington office, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from Friday afternoon through early Saturday morning for extreme western Allegany County in Maryland, western Highland County in Virginia, and western Mineral County in West Virginia. Snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are expected, but strong northwest wind gusts between 50 and 60 mph will cause significant blowing and drifting snow, sharply reducing visibility.
The most hazardous conditions are expected Friday evening through early Saturday, when snow squalls may develop along a strong Arctic front. Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, are likely to become slick quickly, impacting the Friday evening commute and overnight travel through the mountains.
Behind the front, dangerously cold air will surge in. Wind chills are expected to fall below zero Friday night, with values dropping as low as 20 to 30 degrees below zero from Saturday morning into Sunday. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur in less than 30 minutes under these conditions.
Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, slow down, and check road conditions before heading out. Additional advisories or warnings may be issued as the Arctic air mass settles into the region, with extreme cold lingering into the weekend.
