Western Maryland and Eastern West Virginia – Heavy snow and powerful winds are expected to create near blizzard conditions late tonight into early Saturday, prompting a Winter Storm Warning across the Alleghenies.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 7 a.m. Saturday for Eastern and Western Garrett counties in Maryland and Western Grant and Western Pendleton counties in West Virginia.
Forecasters expect 6 to 8 inches of snow, with locally higher totals along western-facing ridges, including Backbone Mountain, Piney Mountain, and Keysers Ridge. Winds are forecast to gust between 50 and 60 mph, leading to significant blowing and drifting snow.
Visibility may drop below one-quarter mile at times, especially during intense snow squalls. Officials warn that roads could become slick or impassable, particularly in open and exposed areas. Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly overnight and remain dangerous into early Saturday.
Near blizzard conditions may make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening along several major routes, including I-68 and US-40 west of Frostburg, US-219 from the Pennsylvania line to the West Virginia line, US-48 west of Moorefield, and US-33/WV-28 west of Franklin.
Strong winds may also cause tree damage and could lead to isolated power disruptions in higher elevations.
Emergency officials urge residents to stay indoors until conditions improve. Those who must travel are advised to delay trips if possible, ensure vehicles are winterized, and prepare for sudden whiteout conditions. Anyone going outside should dress in layers and cover exposed skin to reduce the risk of frostbite or hypothermia.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve after daybreak Saturday as winds ease and snowfall tapers.
