Blizzard Warning Issued for Worcester County; Residents Urged to Prepare

SNOW HILL, Md. — The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for Worcester County, with forecasters predicting 6 to 12 inches of snow and wind gusts between 30 and 50 mph from Sunday evening into early Monday.

Officials say the combination of heavy snow and strong winds could create whiteout conditions, making travel dangerous or impossible at times. Minor tidal flooding is also possible along coastal areas and inland bays.

The Worcester County Department of Emergency Services is urging residents to prepare for potential power outages, downed trees and rapidly worsening road conditions.

Emergency officials warned that life-threatening conditions can develop quickly during blizzard events and encouraged residents to take precautions before the storm intensifies.

Authorities recommend keeping cellphones fully charged to receive weather updates and emergency alerts and stocking at least three days’ worth of nonperishable food, water and medications. Residents are also advised to move vehicles, trash cans and other obstructions off roadways and to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors.

Officials urged residents to know whom to contact in the event of a power outage and to bring pets indoors, ensuring they have access to unfrozen water.

To prevent frozen pipes during prolonged subfreezing temperatures, officials recommend allowing a thin, continuous stream of cold water — about the thickness of a pencil lead — to run from faucets. Portable heating sources should be used only according to manufacturer instructions, with combustible materials kept at least three feet away. Generators should never be operated indoors or in attached garages due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

More information, including an emergency checklist and family preparedness guide, is available through the county’s Department of Emergency Services website.