Westernport, Md. – Heavy snow could begin before sunrise Sunday and continue through Monday afternoon across the Allegheny Highlands, with 6 inches or more possible and hazardous travel likely by the Monday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from late Saturday night through Monday afternoon for Western and Eastern Garrett counties in Maryland, Western Highland County in Virginia, and Western Grant and Western Pendleton counties in West Virginia.
Snowfall totals may exceed 6 inches, with higher amounts along the ridgelines near Backbone Mountain and Mount Storm. Gusts could reach 35 to 45 MPH, increasing the risk of downed tree branches and scattered power outages. Travel on Interstate 68, U.S. Route 219 and Route 50 could become snow-covered and slick, especially overnight Sunday into early Monday.
Road conditions may deteriorate quickly after midnight.
The heaviest impacts are expected during the Monday morning and evening commutes, when plow operations may struggle to keep pace with snowfall rates. Garrett County Public Schools and Highland County Public Schools could face delays if totals trend higher.
Residents should check road conditions before departure and complete travel before late Sunday night if possible. Another push of colder air is expected behind the system, keeping snow-covered roads icy into Tuesday morning.
The Winter Storm Watch remains in effect through Monday afternoon.
