A powerful winter storm is moving across the Mid-Atlantic, threatening Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania with hazardous ice.

Meteorologists warn that freezing rain and strong winds could make travel dangerous, disrupt power, and turn even short trips into risky ventures.

Unlike snow, ice forms silently, coating roads and sidewalks in a slick, invisible layer that can catch drivers and pedestrians off guard.

The most vulnerable areas include north-central and western Maryland, northwestern Virginia, eastern West Virginia, and central to western Pennsylvania. Already, a steady band of moisture is moving through the region, meeting cold air at the surface.

Emergency officials are preparing for downed power lines, snapped branches, and vehicles sliding off roads.

Utility companies have staged crews to respond to outages, and authorities emphasize that the safest way to handle ice is to avoid it entirely.

Airports, schools, and local governments are taking precautions. Flights may face delays, buses are being held or moved to virtual schedules, and rural communities are advised to clear narrow streets for emergency vehicles. Residents are urged to stock up on essentials, charge devices, and protect outdoor items from freezing or high winds.

Those dependent on electricity for medical equipment should notify their providers.

The storm is expected to ease by late Thursday, but cleanup and repairs could last longer. Fallen trees, broken power lines, and damaged property will require time to restore.

The National Weather Service advises residents to stay off roads, treat all surfaces as icy, and prepare now, because in these states, even a thin sheet of ice can create widespread hazards.