UPDATE: High Wind Warning And Cold Weather Advisory Extended For Southern Maryland

CALIFORNIA, Md. — The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning and a Cold Weather Advisory for Southern Maryland, warning of damaging winds, dangerous wind chills and difficult travel conditions this weekend.

The High Wind Warning will be in effect from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, according to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington office. Northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 60 mph.

A Cold Weather Advisory will remain in effect from 4 a.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, with wind chills dropping as low as 7 degrees below zero. Wind chills are expected to remain at or below zero for much of the day Saturday.

Forecasters said the strong winds could bring down trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages. Travel may be difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles.

Officials warned that prolonged exposure to the extreme cold could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken.

For the latest local forecasts and access to the SMECO power outage map — visit The BayNet Weather Page at /weather/.