Wind Advisory Issued For MD After Snowstorm + New Travel Guidance

MARYLAND — While the snowfall may have ended in much of Maryland, the potential for severe weather has not. Freezing rain and strong winds are in the forecast, continuing to complicate travel, according to forecasters.

The National Weather Service has placed more than half the state under a wind advisory, effective Monday.

"Rain, slushy roads, possible snow showers and gusty winds are forecasted for tonight and tomorrow," the Maryland State Highway Administration reported before 9:30 p.m. on Sunday. "If you can, consider delaying your morning travels. If you must travel, take it slow and allow extra distance for braking. Watch for downed wires and trees."

Limited wind restrictions are in effect at the Key Bridge, the Maryland Transportation Authority advised before 10 p.m. During limited wind restrictions — triggered by 40 to 49 mph winds — these vehicles may not cross: house trailers, empty box trailers or any other vehicle that law enforcement personnel deem unsafe to go over the bridge. Drivers denied passage will be given assistance to safely turn around.

Wind warnings are in effect at the Bay, Hatem, Nice and Tydings bridges. Winds that are 30 to 39 mph result in a wind warning. Those driving house trailers, box trailers, motorcycles, vehicles with roof racks containing cargo or any other vehicle that may be subject to high winds should be extra cautious.

With the potential for west winds of 20 to 25 mph and gusts up to 55 mph, the National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for much of Maryland, the District of Columbia, parts of Virginia and portions of West Virginia. Power outages could occur, and loose outdoor objects may blow away or be damaged, according to the advisory. To prepare, people should secure anything outside, and drivers, especially those of high-profile vehicles, should be extra careful.

These Maryland jurisdictions are under the wind advisory from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday:

• Anne Arundel County
• Baltimore City
• Baltimore County
• Calvert County
• Carroll County
• Charles County
• Cecil County
• Frederick County
• Harford County (northwest, southeast)
• Howard County (central, southeast and northwest)
• Montgomery County (central, northwest and southeast)
• Prince George's County
• St. Mary's County
• Washington County

Previous report (posted at 11:22 a.m., last updated at 9:57 p.m.): Snow will blanket Maryland Sunday afternoon. By early evening, forecasters say precipitation will shift to freezing rain and sleet along the Interstate 95 corridor.

Because temperatures are below freezing, forecasters say snow is expected to accumulate quickly.

Gov. Larry Hogan asked people to stay off the roads.

"Winter weather is expected to bring snowfall to much of the state this afternoon," Hogan said in a statement Sunday morning. He said the National Weather Service predicts up to an inch of snow an hour as a line of rain and snow pushes southeast to northwest.

"Our pretreatments and preparations are complete, and we ask Marylanders to avoid travel to the extent possible for the rest of the day," Hogan said. "Keeping the roads clear not only keeps you safe, it also gives crews and first responders room to carry out their duties. We will continue to monitor this winter weather closely, and provide updates as the day progresses."

These jurisdictions have declared snow emergencies as of 4:45 p.m.: Allegany, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's and Washington counties. By 5:30 p.m., state transportation officials said 20 jurisdictions had declared snow emergencies — all but Wicomico, Somerset and Worcester counties and Baltimore City.

By 10 p.m., Maryland State Police reported Calvert, Charles at St Mary’s counties had lifted their snow emergency plans.

Projected snow totals for central Maryland called for about 2 to 4 inches with up to 6 inches possible, an increase from the earlier projection of 2 to 3 inches.

Western Maryland could get about 7 to 10 inches, with up to 14 inches of snow possible, according to the National Weather Service, which warned gusts up to 50 mph in Garrett and Allegany counties may create blizzard conditions.

A gale warning takes effect at 6 p.m. for all waters in the region, as low pressure moves through the region Sunday night, causing the potential for isolated wind damage, forecasters say.

"Stay home and off the roadways today and tomorrow morning!" the Maryland State Highway Administration advised Sunday. "Snow, sleet, rain, ice and wind expected. If you can, make plans to telework tomorrow or delay your commute."

Below, see projected snow totals, onset time and advisories and warnings by jurisdiction.

Winter Weather Alerts

Anne Arundel, Charles and Prince George's counties: A winter weather advisory from 1–10 p.m. Sunday calls for mixed precipitation, with snow accumulations of up to 2 inches and a glaze of ice. Wind gusts may be as high as 40 mph.

Allegany and Garrett counties: A winter storm warning is in effect from 1 p.m. Sunday to 7 p.m. Monday due to heavy mixed precipitation. About 7 to 10 inches of snow are expected, while up to 14 inches are possible. On Sunday night, snow may fall at a rate of 1 to 3 inches per hour, which could make roads nearly impassable. Ice around 0.1 inch accumulation is expected. Wind gusts as high as 50 mph may create blizzard conditions, particularly around higher terrain, and bring down branches. Travel could be very difficult, and weather may impact the Monday morning or evening commute.

Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Harford, Howard and Montgomery counties: A winter weather advisory is in effect from 1 p.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Monday due to 1 to 3 inches of snow and up to 0.1 inch ice. Wind gusts may be as high as 45 mph. Roads may be slippery, and people should be careful driving and walking outside. Be cautious on sidewalks, driveways and stairs, which may be icy.

Frederick and Washington counties: A winter storm warning is in effect from 1 p.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday. About 3 to 5 inches of snow and 0.1 inch ice may accumulate, and wind gusts could reach 45 mph. Plan on slippery road conditions that could impact the Monday morning commute. Snow could fall at a rate of 1 to 3 inches an hour Sunday night, making roads nearly impassable.

Coastal Flooding

Anne Arundel and St. Mary's counties: A coastal flood warning calls for 1 to 2 feet of inundation in low-lying areas due to tidal flooding, particularly around high tide. The warning is in effect from 3 p.m. Sunday to 7 p.m. Monday. Tides will be up to 3 feet above normal. The next high tides at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis are at 4:52 p.m. and 4:08 a.m.

Baltimore, Harford and Cecil counties: A coastal flood watch takes effect at 4 a.m. Monday until 1 a.m. Tuesday due to 1 to 2 feet of inundation possible in low-lying areas. Tides may be up to 4 feet above normal.