Hagerstown, Maryland-West Virginia Border – Snow could begin coating I-81 and I-68 by 6 a.m. Sunday, with a 30 to 50 percent chance that at least 2 inches accumulates across western Maryland and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia before 6 a.m. Monday.
According to the National Weather Service, a developing winter system moving east late Saturday night through Sunday night may place the central Appalachians and adjacent valleys in a corridor favorable for accumulating snow. The highest probabilities for 2 inches or more currently include Hagerstown, Cumberland and Frostburg in Maryland, extending south into Martinsburg and Berkeley Springs in West Virginia. Elevations along and west of the Allegheny Front could see locally higher totals if steadier snow bands develop.
If moderate snowfall rates set up during the Sunday morning travel window, visibility could fall below one mile, particularly along mountain passes and elevated stretches of I-68. Bridges and overpasses, including key interchanges near I-70 and I-81, may become slick first as surface temperatures hover near freezing.
The Maryland State Highway Administration and West Virginia Division of Highways are monitoring pavement temperatures and preparing crews ahead of potential impacts. A slight shift in the storm track could enhance snowfall totals across higher terrain.
Residents should prepare for slower travel, check tire tread and keep mobile devices charged in case isolated outages occur. Winter weather advisories may be issued by Saturday as confidence increases in snowfall placement and totals through early Monday morning.
