Frederick, Md. – Heavy snow is pushing into communities along the Maryland–Virginia border tonight as the same powerful coastal storm intensifies to the east, bringing widespread winter storm warnings and deteriorating travel conditions inland. While blizzard conditions remain strongest closer to the coast, steady accumulating snow will affect areas from Frederick and Hagerstown to Winchester and Leesburg through Monday.
According to NOAA and the National Weather Service, winter storm warnings are in effect across western Maryland and northern Virginia, including Washington County, Md., and Frederick County, Va. Snow will continue overnight and into Monday, reducing visibility and covering major routes across the region. The broader storm system is producing more extreme impacts along the Atlantic coastline, but inland areas along the Potomac Highlands will still face significant disruptions.
The snow falling across the region will be dense at times, adding weight that increases the physical strain of clearing it. Health officials urge residents to take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and push snow instead of lifting heavy shovelfuls whenever possible. Overexertion during snow removal can place sudden stress on the heart, especially for older adults and those with underlying medical conditions. Even where snowfall is somewhat lighter than coastal regions, the risk of injury during cleanup remains real. Heavy accumulation may also weigh down tree limbs and power lines, leading to scattered outages from Cumberland to Front Royal.
Travel is strongly discouraged except for emergencies. The Maryland Department of Transportation and the Virginia Department of Transportation warn that Interstate 70, Interstate 81 and secondary roads may become slick and snow-packed during peak snowfall Monday. If stranded, drivers should remain inside their vehicle with a winter emergency kit.
Snow will gradually taper late Monday into Tuesday, though icy conditions may linger. Additional advisories could follow as the storm tracks farther northeast.
