The National Weather Service (NWS) warned Saturday morning that dangerous cold and powerful winds would continue across most of Maryland and Northern Virginia, with life-threatening conditions expected to last through Sunday morning.
NWS Forecasters said winds were increasing early Saturday, with the strongest gusts expected by mid-afternoon. At the same time, wind chills were falling sharply, with most locations experiencing values well below zero through Sunday morning. Officials cautioned that wind damage and power outages remained a significant concern.
An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect until 10am Sunday, while a High Wind Warning is in place until 7pm Saturday. The warnings cover portions of Washington, DC, central, northeast, northern, and southern Maryland, as well as northern Virginia.
According to the National Weather Service, wind chills around or below 10 degrees below zero are expected during the warning period. Northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 60 mph, are likely throughout the day Saturday.
The combination of extreme cold and high winds is expected to create hazardous conditions across the region. Officials warned that damaging winds could bring down trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages. Travel may become difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles such as trucks and buses.
Weather officials also emphasized the serious health risks associated with prolonged exposure. Wind chills as low as 15 degrees below zero could result in frostbite or hypothermia if proper precautions are not taken. The National Weather Service warned that unprotected skin exposed to these temperatures could suffer frostbite in a short period of time and that being outdoors for extended periods could be life-threatening.
Wind chills are expected to remain below zero for at least 24 hours, beginning Saturday morning and continuing through late Sunday morning. Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, and take precautions to protect pets and vulnerable individuals as the region endures another stretch of extreme winter weather.
