Salisbury, Md. — Dangerous travel conditions rapidly intensify across Maryland’s Eastern Shore Saturday as powerful northwest winds hammer U.S. 50 from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge approach east through Cambridge and toward Ocean City, with the highest risk concentrated between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Gusts surge to 55 mph, strong enough to shove vehicles across lanes and down trees along exposed stretches.
The National Weather Service in Wakefield said a High Wind Warning blankets Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset and inland Worcester counties during the day Saturday, while an Extreme Cold Warning runs from 6 a.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Sunday. Wind chills drop as low as 9 below zero, compounding danger for anyone stranded or exposed during power outages.
Maryland transportation officials warned that high-profile vehicles face severe difficulty along U.S. 13, U.S. 50 and Route 12, especially on open farmland corridors and bridge approaches where crosswinds peak. Blowing debris, sudden gusts and falling tree limbs sharply reduce reaction time, while bitter cold accelerates fatigue and numbs hands, increasing crash risk.
The strongest impacts target Cambridge, Salisbury, Princess Anne, Snow Hill, Berlin and Crisfield, with added concern along the Route 50 span near Cambridge, the U.S. 13 bypass south of Salisbury, and exposed stretches toward West Ocean City. Power outages are likely as winds topple lines, leaving homes and vehicles vulnerable to rapidly dropping temperatures.
Officials urged residents to secure loose objects, avoid unnecessary travel, and remain in lower levels of buildings during peak wind. The wind threat eases late Saturday night, but extreme cold lingers through Sunday morning before gradual improvement begins as winds weaken and temperatures recover slightly.
