Mid-Atlantic Braces for Second Snow Dump

Winter storm watches have been issued by the National Weather Service for West Virginia, western Maryland, and Pennsylvania, signaling the potential for significant winter weather. This alert comes after a recent powerful storm system delivered heavy snowfall to the Eastern Seaboard. While this new system is not expected to be as intense, forecasters are still warning of considerable snowfall and hazardous conditions.

In West Virginia, the Charleston NWS office anticipates 4 to 7 inches of snow, accompanied by gusty winds up to 50 mph, which could impair visibility and create dangerous driving situations. A winter storm watch is in effect from Friday morning through Saturday morning for portions of northeast, northern, and southeast West Virginia. Travelers are warned of slippery roads, particularly impacting the Friday evening commute.

The NWS Baltimore office has issued a similar watch for western Maryland, predicting heavy upslope snow showers, strong winds, and dangerously cold wind chills from late Friday into Saturday. Snowfall amounts of 6 inches are expected, with potentially higher amounts in Garrett County. Whiteout conditions are a possibility, making travel treacherous on major routes and posing a risk of power outages due to downed power lines.

Pennsylvania is also under winter storm watches issued by the NWS Pittsburgh and State College offices, with expectations of up to 6 inches of snow between Friday morning and Saturday morning. Travel conditions could become very difficult, especially during the Friday evening commute, with visibilities possibly dropping below a quarter mile due to falling and blowing snow.