Cumberland, MD – Residents in mountainous regions of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia are being urged to prepare for dangerous cold conditions as the National Weather Service issues a Cold Weather Advisory lasting through Tuesday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, the advisory will be in effect from 8 p.m. Monday through 1 p.m. EST Tuesday, with wind chills ranging from 10 to 20 degrees below zero expected in higher elevations. The coldest conditions are forecast overnight through Tuesday morning, particularly at elevations above 2,000 to 2,500 feet.
In Maryland, impacted areas include Garrett County and Allegany County, particularly eastern and western portions near the Appalachian ridges. In Virginia, the advisory covers Eastern Highland County along with the Northern and Central Virginia Blue Ridge. In West Virginia, affected counties include Grant, Mineral, Pendleton, Hampshire, and Hardy counties.
Communities such as Oakland, Frostburg, Keyser, Petersburg, Moorefield, Monterey, and mountain sections of the Blue Ridge could see the most extreme wind chills between midnight and 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Meteorologists warn that prolonged exposure to these temperatures can quickly lead to hypothermia or frostbite, even with limited time outdoors. Strong winds along ridge tops will intensify the cold, making conditions especially dangerous for early commuters, outdoor workers, and anyone without adequate winter clothing.
Officials urge residents to limit time outdoors, dress in multiple layers, wear hats and gloves, and keep pets indoors. Drivers traveling through mountain passes should use caution, as cold exposure risks increase quickly if vehicles become disabled.
Temperatures are expected to gradually improve Tuesday afternoon, but officials stress that overnight and early-morning hours pose the greatest risk.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and follow all weather advisories as this Arctic air mass impacts the Mid-Atlantic highlands.
