Oakland, MD – Travel across the Allegheny Mountains could become dangerous or even life-threatening on Friday as a powerful winter storm brings heavy snow, intense wind gusts, and near-blizzard conditions to western Maryland and eastern West Virginia.
According to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington office, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 10 a.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Saturday for Garrett County, Maryland, as well as western Grant and Pendleton counties in West Virginia. The storm will strengthen late Friday as a strong Arctic front pushes through the region.
Forecasters expect 6 to 8 inches of snow, with higher totals possible along western-facing ridges, including Backbone Mountain and Keysers Ridge. Winds are forecast to gust between 50 and 60 mph, creating widespread blowing and drifting snow and sharply reducing visibility.
The most dangerous travel conditions are expected Friday evening into early Saturday, especially along Interstate 68 and U.S. Route 40 west of Frostburg, as well as U.S. Route 219 from the Pennsylvania–Maryland line south into West Virginia. Additional hazardous travel is likely on U.S. 48 west of Moorefield and U.S. 33/WV-28 west of Franklin, according to the weather service.
Officials warn that snow-covered roads, icy bridges, and sudden whiteout conditions could make some routes impassable, particularly in open and elevated areas. Drivers may encounter rapidly changing conditions with little warning.
Beyond travel concerns, the storm will usher in dangerously cold air, with wind chills falling below zero Friday night. From Saturday morning into Sunday morning, wind chill values could reach 20 to 30 degrees below zero, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia in under 30 minutes.
Residents are urged to delay travel if possible, remain indoors during the worst conditions, and ensure vehicles are winterized if travel cannot be avoided.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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