A Winter Weather Advisory is still in force for parts of western Maryland and western Virginia through Thursday morning, with increasing snow, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions predicted into the early hours of New Year’s Day.
The National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington has issued an advisory till 10 a.m. EST for extreme western Allegany County in Maryland and western Highland County in Virginia. Snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches are expected until conditions progressively improve later Thursday morning.
Forecasters warn that winds could gust up to 50 mph, resulting in blowing snow and lowering visibility to one-half mile or less at times. Wind chills are forecast to plummet to near zero overnight and into the early morning, raising the risk of exposure for anyone outside.
The National Weather Service predicts the most dangerous circumstances until the early morning hours of New Year’s Day, when snow and high winds may combine to rapidly worsen road conditions. Slippery travel is expected on critical roadways including as US Route 220 west of Cumberland, Maryland, and US Route 250 west of Monterey, Virginia.
Gusty gusts may also blow down tree limbs, causing isolated power outages in exposed and higher-elevation places.
Officials warned that the hazardous weather could hinder commuters leaving early Thursday, particularly in hilly areas where snow and wind impacts are more severe.
Drivers are advised to slow down, increase following distance, and exercise caution while traveling overnight and early Thursday. Before leaving, travelers should phone 511 to check the current road conditions.
While snowfall is predicted to lessen later in the morning, icy roadways and blowing snow may remain in higher elevations after daybreak.
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