WINCHESTER, Va. – A hard freeze will grip parts of western Maryland, the Shenandoah Valley, and the eastern West Virginia panhandle overnight tonight, from 2AM until 9AM Friday, as clear skies and calm winds drive temperatures below freezing.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, a Freeze Warning remains in effect for Allegany and Garrett counties in Maryland; Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Page counties in Virginia; and Berkeley, Jefferson, Morgan, Hampshire, and Hardy counties in West Virginia. Lows are expected to fall into the upper 20s and low 30s, especially in sheltered valleys.
Forecasters warn that frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, damage sensitive vegetation, and harm unprotected outdoor plumbing. Residents are urged to cover or bring in plants, wrap exposed pipes, and allow faucets to drip slowly overnight to prevent bursting. Pet owners and farmers should ensure animals have access to warm shelter and unfrozen water.
Temperatures will drop quickly after midnight, and motorists may encounter frosted windshields and slick rural roads along I-81, I-70, and U.S. 340 before sunrise Friday.
According to meteorologists, this freeze will mark the first widespread sub-freezing event of the season across the Blue Ridge and Potomac Highlands. Warmer conditions are expected by the weekend, though another chilly night could return early next week.
