Baltimore-Washington region faces extreme cold and high winds, with marine storm warnings into Sunday

What is in effect and where

A cluster of National Weather Service hazard products covers the Baltimore–Washington forecast area, spanning the District of Columbia, much of Maryland and northern Virginia, and portions of eastern West Virginia and western Virginia. The suite includes extreme cold and high wind alerts on land, alongside gale and storm warnings for waterways in the Chesapeake Bay and tidal Potomac.

In the higher elevations west of the Blue Ridge and along the Allegheny Front, winter storm products are also in place for heavy snow and blowing and drifting snow, with warnings focused on the most mountainous counties and advisories extending into adjacent areas where lower totals are expected but impacts remain possible.

Timing and expected hazards

For parts of eastern West Virginia and western Virginia, an Extreme Cold Warning is set from 4 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, to 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, with forecast wind chills in the range of 15 to 30 degrees below zero. A High Wind Warning in the same area is scheduled from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, with northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts up to 60 mph.

Separately, a Special Weather Statement issued Friday evening, Feb. 6, 2026, flagged a flash-freeze risk as light snow ended and temperatures fell below freezing. The concern is for untreated surfaces—roads, bridges, overpasses and sidewalks—where lingering moisture can turn to ice quickly, elevating the risk of travel disruptions and slip-and-fall injuries.

Marine impacts: gale, storm, and low water

On the water, warnings extend across portions of the tidal Potomac and upper Chesapeake Bay, including the Patapsco River and Baltimore Harbor. Forecast conditions include a period of gale-force winds followed by storm-force winds, with waves building and conditions hazardous for small craft and, at times, for larger vessels. A low water advisory is also in effect for parts of the tidal waterways, reflecting abnormally low water levels that can complicate navigation in shallow channels and near docks.

What officials say to do during the alerts

• Prepare for power disruptions where damaging wind gusts are expected; falling limbs and downed lines can accompany high winds.
• Limit time outdoors during extreme cold; wind chills at or below zero can cause frostbite and hypothermia, particularly with prolonged exposure.
• Use caution on untreated roads and elevated surfaces during and after snowfall, especially when temperatures drop rapidly below freezing.
• For mariners, secure vessels and avoid venturing out during gale and storm warnings; low water can create additional hazards near shore and in narrow waterways.

Travel conditions can deteriorate quickly when snow ends and temperatures fall below freezing, particularly on bridges and overpasses where ice forms faster than on surrounding pavement.

Residents and mariners are urged to track local alert updates closely as warning boundaries and timing can shift with evolving conditions.