Oakland, Maryland – Travel across the higher terrain of western Maryland and nearby West Virginia and Virginia could become nearly impossible at times as 6 to 12 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 45 mph persist through midnight Monday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until midnight Monday night for Garrett County in Maryland, Western Highland County in Virginia, and Western Grant and Western Pendleton counties in West Virginia. Higher elevations could see locally greater totals as steady snow continues.
Northwest winds will strengthen tonight and continue through Monday, producing blowing snow and reducing visibility below a quarter mile at times. Exposed stretches of Interstate 68 near Keysers Ridge, U.S. 219 near Oakland and Route 33 over Shenandoah Mountain may become snow-covered and slick. The weight of wet snow combined with gusty winds could down tree limbs and power lines, leading to sporadic outages.
Hazardous conditions are expected to impact both the Monday morning and evening commutes. Officials urge residents to delay unnecessary travel and check 511 for the latest road updates. If travel is unavoidable, carry emergency supplies including food, water and a flashlight.
Snow and wind will gradually diminish late Monday night, but drifting and icy patches may linger into early Tuesday.
