Oakland, Maryland – Drivers and residents across far western Maryland should prepare for dangerous icing conditions Friday as freezing rain and sleet move into the region, raising concerns for hazardous travel and possible power outages.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore and Washington, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Friday morning through late Friday night for eastern Garrett County and extreme western Allegany County. A prolonged period of freezing rain is expected, with ice accumulations near one quarter of an inch possible. Light sleet accumulation may also occur, though freezing rain is expected to be the dominant threat.
Precipitation is expected to arrive Friday morning as sleet or freezing rain, then continue through much of the day and evening. Temperatures are forecast to remain at or below freezing during the daytime hours, allowing ice to build on untreated roads, bridges, trees, and power lines. Conditions may slowly improve late Friday night as temperatures begin to rise and precipitation tapers to freezing drizzle.
Travel could become very difficult, particularly along higher elevation roadways and secondary roads in Garrett County and western Allegany County. Both the Friday morning and evening commutes may be impacted as ice develops early and persists into the night.
Ice accumulation could lead to downed tree limbs and isolated to scattered power outages. Residents are urged to monitor updates closely, limit travel if possible, and prepare for potential disruptions. The watch may be upgraded as confidence increases, and additional advisories or warnings are possible as the system approaches.
