Oakland, Maryland – Snow-covered mountain highways and gusty winds are creating hazardous travel across western Maryland, eastern West Virginia and western Virginia early Wednesday, with slick conditions expected to persist through the morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. EST Wednesday for Western and Eastern Garrett counties in Maryland, Western Highland County in Virginia, and Western Grant and Western Pendleton counties in West Virginia. Snow totals between 2 and 5 inches are expected, with locally higher amounts above 2,500 feet. A light glaze of ice may develop along eastern-facing ridges as temperatures rise toward freezing through midday.
Wind gusts between 30 and 40 mph, with stronger gusts above 3,500 feet, could weigh down tree limbs and isolated power lines due to the heavier, wetter snow.
Travel impacts are most likely along I-68 and US-40 west of Frostburg, WV-48 west of Moorefield, US-33 and WV-28 west of Franklin, and US-250 west of Monterey. Drivers should slow down, increase following distance and check 511 for updated road conditions.
Snow and ice threats should taper after 10 a.m., but slick spots may linger on untreated roads and higher elevations into the afternoon.
