Salisbury, Md. – Blizzard conditions are gripping Maryland’s Eastern Shore and Virginia’s Eastern Shore early Monday, with heavy snow and strong winds creating dangerous travel conditions through the day.
The National Weather Service in Wakefield has a Blizzard Warning in effect until 7 p.m. Monday for Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset, Inland Worcester and Maryland Beaches in Maryland, as well as Accomack and Northampton counties in Virginia.
Across Maryland’s Eastern Shore, an additional 5 to 10 inches of snow is expected, with winds gusting up to 45 mph. In Accomack County, Virginia, 3 to 6 inches of additional snow is forecast with wind gusts up to 50 mph. Northampton County could see 2 to 4 inches with similar wind speeds.
Widespread blowing and drifting snow will reduce visibility to near zero at times, especially along open roadways such as U.S. Route 50, U.S. Route 13 and Maryland Route 90. Travel may become very difficult to impossible, particularly during the Monday morning and evening commutes.
Strong winds combined with heavy snow may bring down tree branches and isolated power lines, leading to scattered outages.
Officials urge residents to avoid travel except for emergencies. If you must travel, carry a winter survival kit and remain with your vehicle if stranded. Road conditions are available by calling 511.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve Monday evening as snowfall tapers and winds slowly diminish, but hazardous travel will persist through much of the day.
