Winter storm watch, Garrett, Preston, and Tucker Counties...

[WXBUFFJIM]

The national weather service has issued a winter storm watch effective through midday Saturday for Garrett County, MD, and Preston and Tucker Counties, WV. Rain will change over to snow and winds will increase substantially over the next few hours across northern West Virginia and into western Maryland. Definitely a good snowfall for ski resorts such as snowshoe, WV and Wisp, MD for instance.

A 998 mb low is strengthening rapidly over southwest Pennsylvania while tracking northeast towards northern Pennsylvania by late afternoon. Snowfall amounts in Garrett, Preston, and Tucker Counties will likely be 6-8 inches. That combined with sustained winds of 30-40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph will create blizzard conditions in this region. Folks traveling west on I 70 and I 68 through Savage should keep this in mind and consider leaving right now or later tomorrow to keep safe from the heavy snow and blizzard conditions. A dangerous scenario for western Maryland and northern West Virginia for drivers.

Some of the flurries and snow showers could reach DC, Baltimore, Philly, and New York City Saturday morning before precip ends. The northwest suburbs of all cities are favored for a possible dusting of snow on grassy areas only. Roads will stay wet throughout the event for the big cities. The big story will be the wind with gusts in the 35-50 mph range in the big cities along the I 95 corridor Saturday morning.

Jim