Oakland, Maryland – Travel across the higher elevations of western Maryland and nearby West Virginia could become dangerous to potentially life-threatening late Wednesday as heavy snow and powerful winds combine to produce near-blizzard conditions along the Allegheny Front.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 4 p.m. Wednesday through 10 a.m. Thursday for Garrett County in Maryland and Grant, Mineral, Pendleton, and western portions of surrounding counties in West Virginia. Snow totals between 4 and 8 inches are expected, with winds gusting up to 50 mph capable of driving visibility down to a quarter mile or less. Wind chills are expected to fall well below zero overnight.
Communities including Oakland, Grantsville, Keyser, and Franklin could see rapidly worsening conditions Wednesday evening, especially along U.S. 219, U.S. 220, and Route 42. Blowing and drifting snow may lead to whiteout conditions, while strong winds could bring down tree branches and cause scattered power disruptions.
Emergency officials urge residents to avoid travel during the height of the storm, particularly late Wednesday night into early Thursday. If travel is unavoidable, motorists should carry emergency supplies and allow extra time.
Snow intensity eases Thursday morning, but hazardous roads and reduced visibility may linger, and additional alerts could be issued if conditions worsen overnight.
