Oakland, Maryland – Snow could begin stacking up on mountain roads before sunrise Sunday, with more than 6 inches possible across western Maryland and neighboring West Virginia and Virginia counties by Monday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from late Saturday night through Monday afternoon for Garrett County in Maryland, Western Highland County in Virginia, and Western Grant and Western Pendleton counties in West Virginia. Forecasters say heavy snow is possible across higher elevations, with totals exceeding 6 inches in many locations.
Snow is expected to intensify Sunday and continue into Monday, creating difficult travel conditions along I-68 near Keysers Ridge and U.S. Route 219 through Oakland. Secondary mountain roads in communities such as Mountain Lake Park, Bayard and Franklin could become snow-covered and slick, especially Sunday night into early Monday when temperatures drop and snowfall rates increase.
Gusty winds may also bring down tree branches, increasing the risk of isolated power outages in heavily wooded areas. The Monday morning and evening commutes could be significantly impacted, particularly across higher ridgelines and untreated rural routes.
Residents should prepare for extended snow-covered roads, avoid non-essential travel during heavier bands, and keep mobile devices charged in case of outages. Snow is expected to taper Monday afternoon, but additional advisories or warnings could follow if snowfall totals trend higher.
