Baltimore, MD – Residents across western Maryland and parts of northern Virginia should prepare for dangerous wind conditions Sunday, with gusts strong enough to bring down trees and cause scattered power outages.
According to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington, Wind Advisories are in effect for the Allegheny Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains from Sunday morning through early Monday, while a Gale Warning is posted for nearby waters beginning 6 a.m. Sunday.
Forecasters say west-northwest winds will increase rapidly Sunday, with gusts reaching 45 to 50 mph, especially along higher elevations and ridgelines. The strongest winds are expected in two waves, with the first surge arriving between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., followed by another round late Sunday afternoon into the evening.
“These wind speeds are capable of bringing down trees and power lines,” the agency warned, noting that scattered power outages and difficult travel are possible, particularly for high-profile vehicles on exposed roadways.
Areas most at risk include Garrett and Allegany counties in Maryland, the Blue Ridge region of Virginia, and nearby mountain communities stretching toward West Virginia. Gusty conditions may linger into early Monday morning before gradually weakening.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor objects, avoid parking near trees, and be prepared for potential power disruptions. Travelers should allow extra time and use caution, especially on mountain roads and bridges.
Additional updates and local advisories can be found at weather.gov or through official NWS social media channels.
