Oakland, Md. — A dangerous mountain wind event batters the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Front late Friday into Saturday, slamming U.S. 219 from Garrett County into eastern West Virginia with gusts reaching 60 mph from midnight through late Saturday evening.
The National Weather Service in Baltimore and Washington said northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph will accelerate across exposed ridges, gaps, and mountain highways, creating severe travel hazards along U.S. 219, U.S. 220, and U.S. 33 from the Maryland line through western Grant, Mineral, and Pendleton counties. High Wind Warnings remain in effect through Saturday night, overlapping with an Extreme Cold Warning that tightens its grip before daybreak Saturday.
Transportation officials warned that crosswinds will shove high-profile vehicles across lanes on open stretches near Oakland, Accident, and Grantsville in Maryland, then intensify south through Keyser, Franklin, and Riverton. Along U.S. 33, impacts extend from Harman and Judy Gap toward Harrisonburg, where sudden gusts slash visibility and sharply lengthen braking distances. Ridge-top routes near Mount Storm, Seneca Rocks, and Brandywine face the most dangerous conditions as winds funnel through terrain gaps.
Behind the wind, Arctic air surges in, driving wind chills down to between 20 and 30 below zero across the highest elevations of Garrett County, Highland County, and eastern Pendleton County. Forecasters said exposed skin can develop frostbite in as little as 30 minutes, with hypothermia a growing risk for stranded motorists or anyone without adequate protection.
Power outages are expected as falling trees and limbs snap lines across the region, particularly Saturday afternoon when winds peak. Conditions begin to ease late Saturday night as winds slowly diminish, though extreme cold lingers into Sunday morning before a gradual moderation sets in.
