Oakland, Maryland – A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for portions of far western Maryland from Friday morning through late Friday night, with significant ice accumulation expected to create dangerous travel conditions and increase the risk of power outages, according to the National Weather Service.
The watch includes Eastern Garrett County and Extreme Western Allegany County, where forecasters warn that freezing rain and sleet could produce ice accumulations of two to three tenths of an inch, with locally up to four tenths of an inch possible. Snow and sleet accumulations of up to one inch are also possible.
According to the National Weather Service office in Baltimore and Washington, precipitation is expected to begin just after sunrise Friday, initially falling as sleet or freezing rain. Freezing rain is forecast to continue through the day and into the evening hours before tapering to freezing drizzle overnight.
Temperatures are expected to remain at or below 32 degrees throughout the day Friday, allowing ice to accumulate on roads, trees, and power lines. Gradual warming is expected late Friday night, which may limit additional icing but could prolong hazardous conditions.
Forecasters warn that power outages and tree damage are likely due to the weight of ice on infrastructure. Travel could become nearly impossible at times, particularly during the Friday morning and evening commutes, when untreated roads may become dangerously slick.
The National Weather Service emphasized that a Winter Storm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe winter weather but details on exact impacts may still change. Residents are urged to closely monitor forecast updates and prepare for possible extended disruptions.
