Winds expected to reach 50 mph in Washington County and neighboring counties Monday night

Michael D. Garcia, The Herald-Mail
·2 min read

Washington County received between 2 and 4 inches of snow Sunday night, sparing the region from the worst of the snowstorm affecting the East Coast. But weather forecasters warned of high winds heading into Monday night.

Winds were expected to reach up to 50 mph in Washington, Franklin and Berkeley counties. A wind advisory was in effect for Franklin County, Pa., until 7 p.m.

Although Franklin County, Pa. received 3 to 5 inches of snow, forecasters urged people to clear snow on their property to prepare for refreezing tonight.
Although Franklin County, Pa. received 3 to 5 inches of snow, forecasters urged people to clear snow on their property to prepare for refreezing tonight.

More on snow-related closings: Here are snow-related closings, cancellations in the Hagerstown, Tri-State area

More on snow storm: Hagerstown, Tri-State area expected to see several inches of snow, wintry mix

Prepare for refreezing

The snow may take a couple of days to clear. Most of the main streets in Hagerstown were in good shape Monday and side streets were "OK," according to Eric Deike, director of public works in Hagerstown.

"Last night was a tough storm, with the snow and freezing rain," Deike said. "Freezing rain is always a killer — tough to handle and uses lots and lots of salt. It makes it a tough situation. So, I think it's something we will have to deal with for a few days."

Deike said he already ordered 450 tons of salt to prepare for the week.

For county roads, Zane Rowe, director of highways in Washington County, said Monday afternoon some areas were still "spotty."

"We still have to get in and put some salt down, but they're still not real good," Rowe said.

Forecasters encourage people to treat the snow around them before nighttime.

"We just encourage folks to get everything cleared because overnight, a refreeze will certainly happen," John Banghoff, meteorologist at National Weather Service, said. "So we encourage folks to take care of the snow before it becomes sort of a brick overnight with colder temperatures coming in."

Power outages

Over 700 Potomac Edison customers experienced power outages during Sunday night's storm — almost 500 in Hagerstown. Power was expected to be restored by 11 p.m.

Potomac Edison could not be reached immediately for comment but did not get back in time.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: High wind warning: Gusts expected to reach 50 mph in Washington County