Frederick, Maryland – A major winter storm is expected to intensify across the central and northern Mid-Atlantic this weekend, bringing heavy snow, possible ice accumulation, and dangerous travel conditions from Saturday afternoon through late Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect for large portions of northern and central Maryland, northern and western Virginia, and eastern West Virginia. Forecasters say there is a high likelihood of at least 5 inches of snow, with totals exceeding 10 inches possible in some areas. Snow is expected to overspread the region by Saturday evening and become heavy Saturday night, with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour at times.
In Maryland, counties including Washington, Frederick, Carroll, northern Baltimore, and parts of Montgomery and Howard are included. Across Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge, and northern Piedmont—including Winchester, Harrisonburg, Front Royal, Culpeper, and Charlottesville—could see prolonged heavy snow. Areas south of Interstate 70 and across central Virginia may also experience sleet or freezing rain Sunday, increasing the risk of ice accumulation and power outages.
Travel could become very difficult, particularly Saturday night and Sunday. Bitter cold will follow the storm, with wind chills dropping into the teens and single digits and occasional sub-zero values into early next week. Residents are urged to complete preparations early, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updates as watches may be upgraded to warnings.
