A strong ice storm is hitting Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania through Thursday, bringing “ice buildup, strong winds, and travel hazards,” according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The storm could bring “up to half an inch of ice and 35 mph wind gusts,” increasing the risk of “outages and blocked roads.” Travel may be impossible, especially Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
Affected areas include Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties (MD); Frederick and Clarke counties (VA); and multiple counties in WV and PA.
Residents are urged to “avoid travel, check road conditions (511), and prepare for power loss.” The NWS advises keeping an emergency kit and staying updated through local alerts and their website.