Salisbury, Md. — A powerful coastal wind storm batters U.S. 13 across the Lower Maryland and Virginia Eastern Shore on Saturday, hammering the corridor from the Delaware line through Salisbury and south toward Exmore with wind gusts reaching 55 to 60 mph during the peak daytime travel window.
The National Weather Service in Wakefield issued a High Wind Warning from Saturday morning through late evening, citing sustained northwest winds of 30 to 40 mph capable of pushing high-profile vehicles out of lanes and snapping trees and power lines. The warning spans Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset, inland Worcester County, the Maryland beaches, and Virginia’s Accomack and Northampton counties.
Maryland and Virginia transportation officials said the greatest travel risk centers on exposed stretches of U.S. 13, MD 50 near Cambridge, and secondary routes linking Crisfield, Princess Anne, Berlin, and Pocomoke City. Along the Virginia portion of the corridor, impacts intensify near Chincoteague, Onancock, Nassawadox, and Cape Charles, where open terrain allows winds to surge unchecked. Bridge crossings and causeways face sudden gusts that sharply increase braking distances and reduce vehicle stability.
Widespread power outages are expected as falling limbs and downed lines spread across the peninsula, especially during the afternoon when winds peak. Crews urged residents to remain indoors and avoid windows as debris becomes airborne.
Behind the wind, an Extreme Cold Warning tightens its grip early Saturday morning and lasts into Sunday. Wind chills plunge to near zero in Maryland and as low as 8 below in Virginia, raising the risk of hypothermia for anyone stranded or working outside.
Conditions slowly ease late Saturday night as winds subside, though bitter cold lingers into Sunday morning before a gradual moderation begins.
