Winter Travel Warning in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland

National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists have issued a winter storm watch for three northeastern states on Tuesday, advising people in some regions to avoid travel when snow begins to fall later this week.

The weather warnings were issued by weather forecast offices in Baltimore, Maryland and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and included alerts for Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. The winter storm watch goes into effect Thursday afternoon and will remain in place until Saturday, when the storm moves out of the region.

“Heavy snow is possible. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are possible with locally higher amounts along the ridgetops,” the Baltimore office warned. “Winds can gust as high as 50 mph.”

The warning from the Pittsburgh office warned of slightly weaker conditions, with snow accumulations exceeding 6 inches and wind gusts as high as 45 mph.

Winter storm watches are advising people to postpone all travel until storm watches are in place for the following regions: Garrett County, Maryland; western Highland County, Virginia; and western Grant, western Mineral, western Pendleton, eastern Preston and Tucker counties, West Virginia.

“Individuals should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution,” the Winter Storm Watch said.

The warning also suggested that people in the affected areas consider stocking their vehicle with a winter storm kit in case they become stranded. The kit should include tire chains, auxiliary cables, a flashlight, a shovel, blankets and extra clothing.

“Also take water, a first aid kit and anything else that can help you survive if you become stranded,” the alert said.

At times visibility could drop below a quarter mile due to the falling and blowing snow.

“This can lead to whiteout conditions and can make travel difficult. The strong winds and the weight of snow on tree limbs can bring down power lines and can cause sporadic power outages,” the warning said.

The winter storm warnings were issued in connection with a snowstorm expected to hit the Great Lakes area this week. NWS meteorologist Anna Stuck told Newsweek that the strong low pressure area moving into the area will cause the wintry conditions.

The worst snowfall is expected Thursday night into Friday morning, she said. It will be the first significant snow of the season for that forecast area.

“I would encourage everyone to stay tuned today with the watches and potential warnings we may issue,” she said. “Since it’s the first widespread snow event for that area, people may not be prepared.”

With up to 12 inches forecast for high-elevation areas and locally higher amounts possible along the ridgetops, Stuck said, “It’s a lot of snow since it’s the first snowfall of the season.”