CUMBERLAND — The latest on a winter storm affecting the area:
W.Va. officials: ‘Stay off the roads’
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Transportation is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel as winter storm conditions continue to deteriorate across the state, bringing snow, ice and rapidly falling temperatures that are creating extremely hazardous driving conditions.
“Motorists, avoid unnecessary travel as conditions deteriorate overnight and into the morning hours,” said Transportation Secretary Todd Rumbaugh. “Our crews have been out around the clock plowing and treating roads, and they will continue working through the night. But when temperatures drop as quickly as expected, road conditions can become dangerous in a matter of minutes. The safest decision is to stay off the roads.”
Emergency services officials monitoring conditions
We continue to monitor and coordinate with local and state partners,” Garrett County Office of Emergency Management Director Justin Orendorf said. “Our road crews are doing an excellent job and keeping up with the precipitation the best they can. Road conditions are treacherous. Garrett County citizens and visitors seem to have heeded the warnings to stay home as there has been little traffic out and about which has been a tremendous help to our staff all around.”
“We have not seen an increase in calls for Allegany County,” Allegany County Department of Emergency Services Director Roger Bennett said. “I have reached out to each town or municipality to see if they needed anything and each area seems to be managing. We are continuing to work with local and state resources as the storm continues.”
Bennett said that an ambulance was temporality relocated to the Lonaconing during the storm for crew and patient safety, allowing for a faster response time to the Georges Creek area.
— Todd Bowman
Route 46 closed between Keyser, Piedmont
West Virginia Route 46 between Victoria Lane and the Old Z Tower near Keyser is closed due to ice and snow avalanches, according to Mineral County Emergency Management.
Hampshire urging residents to stay off roads
The Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office is asking residents to stay off the roadways.
“Road conditions across the county are extremely hazardous and slick,” officials said in a statement. “Even vehicles with 4×4 and winter tires are having difficulty.”
Officials said Division of Highways crews were working around the clock to clear primary roads.
Schools closings for Monday, Jan. 26:
• Allegany County Public Schools, closed. All school activities and events are canceled. Central Office and 12-month staff will work virtually.
• Mineral County Schools, closed.
• Garrett County Schools, closed. Virtual learning will take place in the morning.
• Hardy County Schools, closed. School system will also close Tuesday, Jan. 27.
• Hampshire County Schools, closed.
• Allegany College of Maryland, all campuses closed.
• Frostburg State University, closed.
• Grant County Schools, closed. Non-traditional learning.
Trash collection canceled Monday in city
City of Cumberland trash collection will be cancelled on Monday, Jan.26 for customers in the Lower West Side, East Side, Seton Drive and Upper West Side areas.
Residents in these areas will receive double trash pickup on their next regularly scheduled collection day, Thursday Jan. 29.
Questions may be directed to the Public Works Department at 301-759-6620, publicworks@cumberlandmd.gov or Burgmeier’s Hauling at 301-777-0416, Customerservice@burgmeiers.com.
Water line break reported in Frostburg
UPDATE, 4 p.m. Line repaired and Mechanic Street now open, according to Frostburg city officials.
A water line break on West Mechanic Street between Federal Street and Wencks Lane in Frostburg is affecting water service to that area.
The water department is working to repair the leak. Water may be cloudy or discolored and water pressure may be reduced.
Mechanic Street from Federal Street to Wencks Lane is temporary closed while the water department works to repair the leak.
Libraries closed Monday, Jan. 26
All Allegany County Library System branches will be closed Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, due to inclement weather.
Snow emergency plans in effect
Snow Emergency Plans were in effect in Allegany and Garrett counties as snow began falling across the region just before midnight on Saturday.
When a snow emergency is declared, the law requires certain precautions, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation:
• Prohibited parking on roads and streets designated as snow emergency routes.
• The use of snow tires/chains (most cars now use all weather tires, so changing to “snow” tires is unnecessary).
Weather service issues storm warning
A winter storm warning remains in effect until 4 a.m. Monday. Forecasters are calling for heavy, mixed precipitation with additional sleet accumulations of between 1 and 2 inches.
Frigid wind chills will continue last through the middle of the week, the weather service said.
Governor declares state of emergency
Gov. Wes Moore on Friday declared a state of emergency due to the major winter storm and dangerously cold temperatures expected to impact Maryland beginning Saturday. He also requested an emergency declaration from the federal government, which enables the federal government’s ability to expedite assistance to the state during and after the storm, if necessary.
Morrisey requests presidential disaster declaration
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey has requested that President Donald Trump issue a Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration for West Virginia in advance of the winter storm expected to impact all 55 counties. Morrisey declared a State of Emergency on Friday.
A Presidential Emergency Declaration would allow federal authorities to stage assets in advance of the storm. It would also allow the federal government to deliver assistance at an accelerated rate should the conditions dictate.
Garrett details preparations
Garrett County officials say fire and rescue departments throughout the county have been briefed on storm expectations and prepared to respond as needed. Each fire department is equipped with at least one four-wheel-drive vehicle, and additional resources, including all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles, will be available should conditions require specialized access.
Emergency medical services stations across the county will be fully staffed throughout the duration of the storm with a combination of volunteer personnel and career Garrett County Emergency Services staff to ensure timely and effective response to medical emergencies.
While road crews are well prepared to handle the forecasted snowfall, residents should anticipate that it will take time to clear roadways, particularly during periods of heavy snow.
Shelter locations across the county have been identified and can be opened if needs arise as the storm moves through the area. Information regarding shelters or warming centers can be obtained by calling 301-334-7280 or 301-334-1929.
Monitoring conditions
Cumberland officials said Public Works crews will be monitoring conditions and begin snow and ice removal operation as conditions warrant. Residents were urged to take precautions and limit travel once snowfall begins.
Frostburg warming center
Frostburg residents without heat or who need relief from the cold temperatures, can visit the Frostburg Police Department, located at 37 S Broadway, which will serve as a warming center beginning Saturday at 8 a.m. and will remain available 24/7 throughout the event.
To find your nearest warming center, visit https://go.md.gov/LocalWarmingCenters.
Preparation, coordination key
Luke McKenzie, Mineral County’s director of Emergency Services, said the county has coordinated with Division of Highways representatives to confirm plow strategies and emergency request procedures.
“Preparation and coordination are key ahead of any significant winter weather,” McKenzie said. “We are closely monitoring forecast updates and working with our local and state partners to ensure plans are in place and resources are ready.”
ACPS activities
Allegany County Public Schools says any school-related event or activity must end by 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, as winter weather approaches. All activities for Sunday, Jan. 25, have been canceled.
Monday’s schedule will be determined at a later time.
UPMC services closing, delayed openings
• UPMC Western Maryland Urgent Care locations in Frostburg and South Cumberland on Industrial will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 25.
The following UPMC Western Maryland services will open at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 26:
• Frostburg Primary Care
• Frostburg Diagnostic Center
• Willowbrook Outpatient Diagnostic Center
• Johnson Heights Diagnostic Center
• Schwab Family Cancer Center
• All UPMC Western Maryland owned clinics and practices at the Johnson Heights Medical Building
• UPMC Western Maryland Primary Care Center in LaVale
• All UPMC owned offices in the Medical Arts Center at UPMC Western Maryland
• The diagnostic center located within the hospital will be open for lab, cardiology, and radiology testing as usual.
GCPS activities
Garrett County Public Schools facilities will close at 4 p.m. Saturday and remain closed on Sunday.
Frostburg State closing
Frostburg State University will be closed Jan. 25 and Jan. 26. All classes on Monday are canceled. Essential personnel should report to work as scheduled.
The university plans to reopen Tuesday. Updates will be posted on the university’s website and social media pages.
Garrett College closes
Garrett College will be closed starting 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 and all day Sunday, Jan. 25 and Monday, Jan. 26, due to impending inclement weather. All classes and activities are canceled.
Owner responsibilities
Property owners in the city of Cumberland are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their properties once a snow event has ended, officials said Friday.
Dial 211 in W.Va.
West Virginia residents needing information about shelters, warming locations, food assistance, transportation resources or other non-emergency services are encouraged to contact WV 211 by dialing 211 or visiting www.wv211.org. WV 211 provides free, confidential referrals to health and human service resources statewide and can be a valuable tool before and during severe weather events.
Residents should call 911 only for emergencies.
Park closures
Jaycee Field, the duck pond area of Constitution Park and Mason’s Sports Complex will be closed during the snow event, the city said.
Luke cancels meetings
The town of Luke has canceled its council work session and meetings scheduled for Jan. 26 because of anticipated inclement weather.