Frederick, Maryland – The season’s first widespread winter storm will sweep into the Mid-Atlantic early Tuesday, bringing a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain that could create dangerous travel from western Maryland through the Shenandoah Valley and into the panhandle of West Virginia.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, Winter Weather Advisories begin between 1 and 3 a.m. Tuesday, with most areas seeing 1 to 2 inches of snow and sleet before a changeover to freezing rain. Higher elevations along the Mason-Dixon line and ridges such as Parr’s Ridge could pick up 3 to 4 inches before mixing. Ice totals may reach one-tenth of an inch, with up to two-tenths possible on the highest ridges in Virginia and West Virginia.
Roads along I-70, I-81, U.S. 340, and U.S. 15 will likely turn slick before sunrise, with bridges and overpasses icing first. Communities including Hagerstown, Frederick, Martinsburg, Winchester, Culpeper, and the Blue Ridge foothills may see the longest duration of mixed precipitation as warmer air arrives slowly from the south.
Transportation officials urge drivers to reduce speed, allow extra braking distance, and use caution on steep grades and shaded curves. Sidewalks and steps may also become icy, making footing uncertain for pedestrians Tuesday morning.
Precipitation should transition to plain rain for most areas by midday, with higher ridges west of the Allegheny Front seeing brief upslope snow showers in the afternoon. Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect through late Tuesday morning and early afternoon.
