Oakland, MD – An urgent Blizzard Warning has been issued for Western Maryland and parts of West Virginia from 10 a.m. Wednesday through 10 a.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington.
Forecasters warn that 4 to 7 inches of snow are expected, with localized totals up to 12 inches on western-facing slopes above 2,500 feet along and west of the Allegheny Front. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph, creating whiteout conditions and visibility under one-quarter mile.
The affected areas include Western Garrett County, MD, and Western Grant and Western Pendleton Counties, WV. The NWS says travel will be “nearly impossible” at times, with blowing and drifting snow expected to severely impact both the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes.
Meteorologists noted that a burst of snow is expected late Wednesday morning, with a brief lull in the afternoon before heavy snow redevelops Wednesday evening and continues through the night.
Residents are urged to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. If driving is unavoidable, officials recommend carrying a winter survival kit and remaining with your vehicle if stranded. For updated road conditions, call 511 or visit weather.gov/lwx for the latest advisories.
