Cumberland, Maryland – Powerful west winds are expected to roar across the mountains of western Maryland, western Virginia, and eastern West Virginia on Sunday, creating hazardous travel conditions and the risk of downed trees and scattered power outages through late Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, a Wind Advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. Sunday through midnight Sunday night for a broad region stretching from Allegany and Garrett counties in Maryland to the Blue Ridge of Virginia and the higher terrain of eastern West Virginia. Sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 55 mph, strongest along exposed ridges.
The most dangerous period will occur in two distinct waves. Forecasters say the first surge of damaging winds will arrive with a strong frontal passage between 10 a.m. and noon Sunday. A second round of powerful gusts is likely late Sunday afternoon into early evening, particularly along ridgelines in Garrett County, the Virginia Blue Ridge, and the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia. Valleys will see slightly lower gusts, but still strong enough to cause problems.
High-profile vehicles may struggle on east-west roadways, while unsecured outdoor objects could be blown around. Tree limbs may come down, leading to isolated power outages.
Winds should gradually ease after midnight Sunday night. Residents are urged to secure loose items, use caution while traveling, and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions as the front moves through. Additional advisories may follow if winds remain stronger or persist longer than expected.
