A blizzard is expected to hit parts of Maryland and West Virginia, affecting several highways and interstates. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a blizzard warning that starts at 9 p.m. Wednesday and lasts until 3 p.m. Thursday.
Travel Advisory
Officials are urging people in the affected areas to avoid travel unless it’s an emergency. If you must drive, carry a winter survival kit and stay with your vehicle if you get stranded. The NWS warns that the storm will bring strong winds and heavy snow, making travel dangerous.
Areas Affected
The warning covers Garrett County in Maryland and parts of Grant and Pendleton counties in West Virginia. Major roads impacted include Interstate 68, Highway 219, Highway 33 near Seneca Rocks, and Highways 48 and 50 west of Bismarck and Mount Storm.
Blizzard Conditions
NWS meteorologist Kevin Rodriguez explained that the biggest danger is blowing snow, with wind gusts up to 60 mph. This will create “whiteout” conditions, where visibility is near zero. The worst snowfall is expected between midnight and noon on Thursday, with up to 9 inches of snow possible in higher elevations.
The heavy snow and strong winds could also cause power outages by damaging trees and power lines. Road crews may struggle to clear snow quickly, as it could fall at rates of 2 inches per hour.
Broader Storm Impacts
The storm will also bring snow squalls—short bursts of heavy snow—to other states, including New York, which recently saw over 5 feet of snow in some areas. Winter weather alerts are in place from West Virginia to Maine, as well as parts of the Midwest.
The NWS shared a video showing how fast snow squalls can turn clear highways into dangerous conditions, warning drivers to be prepared.