Oakland, Maryland – Mountain roads across western Maryland and eastern West Virginia could turn slick before daybreak Wednesday as freezing drizzle develops alongside strong wind gusts, creating hazards during the morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday for western Garrett County in Maryland and western Grant and Pendleton counties in West Virginia. A mix of precipitation is expected, with up to one inch of snow and a light glaze of ice. Winds are forecast to gust as high as 45 mph, increasing the risk of downed tree branches and localized power disruptions.
Freezing drizzle is expected to develop late tonight and persist into early Wednesday afternoon, making bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary roads especially slick. Travel impacts are likely along higher elevation routes near Backbone Mountain and across exposed ridgelines, where gusty winds could reduce visibility and blow snow across roadways.
Maryland DOT and West Virginia DOT crews will be monitoring conditions, but drivers are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid unnecessary travel during the advisory window. Gusty winds may also knock debris onto roadways, adding to hazards.
Conditions gradually improve Wednesday afternoon as temperatures rise and precipitation tapers, though slick spots may linger in shaded and higher elevation areas. Additional advisories could be issued if icing lasts longer than expected.
