Cumberland, MD – Residents across the Maryland mountains, the Virginia Blue Ridge, and the West Virginia Highlands should prepare for a sharp increase in winds from 6 AM to 6 PM Sunday, as the National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for the region.
According to the NWS Baltimore/Washington office, west winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts near 50 mph, are expected throughout Sunday. The advisory covers Central and Eastern Allegany County, Western Garrett County, the Northern Virginia Blue Ridge, and Eastern Grant and Eastern Mineral counties in West Virginia.
Forecasters say the strongest winds will develop shortly after sunrise and persist through late afternoon as a fast-moving pressure system crosses the Appalachians. The combination of elevation and channeling in ridge-top corridors may produce even stronger gusts in exposed locations.
Impacts may include tree limbs breaking, unsecured outdoor objects being blown around, and isolated power outages—especially in wooded or rural areas. Drivers traveling along higher terrain routes in western Maryland, the Blue Ridge, and eastern West Virginia should use extra caution, particularly those operating high-profile vehicles.
The Weather Service is urging residents to secure outdoor decorations, trash bins, patio furniture, and any loose items before winds increase early Sunday. Officials also recommend charging devices ahead of time in case of brief electrical interruptions.
