Hagerstown, Maryland – Travel across western and central Maryland could become nearly impossible within hours as heavy snow and wind gusts up to 50 mph intensify through the night.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect across much of Maryland, northern Virginia and the eastern West Virginia panhandle. Central Maryland, including Carroll, Baltimore, Cecil, Anne Arundel and Harford counties, is under warning until 10 a.m. Monday, with 5 to 10 inches of snow expected and localized totals near a foot in northeast Maryland. Rain will change to snow between 4 and 6 p.m., with the heaviest snow falling overnight.
In Washington and Frederick counties, as well as Berkeley and Jefferson counties in West Virginia and parts of northern Virginia, totals of 3 to 8 inches are forecast, with higher amounts above 1,000 feet along the Catoctin and Blue Ridge Mountains.
Farther west in Garrett County, Western Grant and Pendleton counties, 6 to 12 inches are likely through midnight Monday night, especially above 3,000 feet. Winds gusting 35 to 50 mph may drop visibility below one-quarter mile and bring down tree limbs and power lines.
Motorists should avoid non-essential travel, carry emergency supplies and check 511 for real-time road updates. Hazardous conditions will impact both the Monday morning and evening commutes before gradual improvement late Monday or early Tuesday.
