Hagerstown, Maryland – A strong cold front sweeping through the Mid-Atlantic is bringing damaging winds and mountain snow to parts of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, creating hazardous conditions through Tuesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington office, strong winds are expected behind the cold front, with gusts of 45 to 55 mph in Wind Advisory areas and 60 to 65 mph in High Wind Warning areas, particularly Monday afternoon and evening. Forecasters warned that the winds may lead to downed trees and scattered power outages.
In Hagerstown and Winchester, gusty winds were expected to make travel difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Farther west, impacts are expected to be more severe in the mountains.
Along and west of the Allegheny Front, including Cumberland, Frostburg, and Oakland, snow and blowing snow combined with strong winds are forecast to create near-blizzard conditions at times. Snow-covered roads and sharply reduced visibility may persist through Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service indicated that snow accumulation of 2 to 5 inches is most likely in higher elevations west of the Allegheny Front. Strong winds will cause blowing and drifting snow, further worsening travel conditions even after snowfall tapers.
A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the mountain counties, while Wind Advisories and High Wind Warnings cover much of the surrounding region.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor objects, avoid unnecessary travel in mountain areas, and prepare for possible power disruptions. Motorists traveling across ridges, gaps, and exposed roadways should be prepared for sudden wind gusts and rapidly changing conditions.
Commuters, commercial drivers, and residents in higher elevations are expected to feel the greatest impacts as the cold front continues to move east.
