Rush Hour Storm Approaches Baltimore County

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Wintry weather has hit Baltimore County, emergency management officials reported after 1 p.m. Baltimore County is under a winter weather advisory calling for snow, sleet and freezing rain during the afternoon and evening commute.

Because roads may be slippery and travel hazardous, the National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory until 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 8.

"If you must travel, do so with caution," Baltimore County emergency management officials said.

Precipitation is approaching from the west, the most significant of which will hit the region around rush hour, according to Charlie Gischlar of the State Highway Administration.

As sunset arrives at 5 p.m. and pavement temperatures drop, he said that ice may form.

Even if temperatures are above freezing, ground temperatures are lower due to this week's Arctic blast, increasing the likelihood for slick spots.

"When you're on bridges, ramps and overpasses, where you see something appear wet, put your foot off the gas and go slower," Gischlar advised.

Baltimore County Public Schools closed three hours early on Monday due to the freezing rain in the forecast.

"The timing of the storm, during rush hour, is cause for concern," said Tom Calcagni, regional director of AAA Mid-Atlantic, in a statement. "Roads that are slick or ice-covered can create a worst-case scenario for drivers."

Here are some tips for driving on icy roads from AAA Mid-Atlantic:

• Go slow: Accelerate, turn and brake gradually. Adjust your speed, and give yourself more time to stop.
• Don't tailgate: Allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. The extra time will provide additional braking room should a sudden stop be necessary.
• Be responsive: Slow down immediately at the sight of brake lights, fishtailing, skids or emergency flashers ahead.
• Never use cruise control on slippery roads: Using cruise control can reduce the driver response.
• Avoid unnecessarily changing lanes: Hitting a patch of ice between lanes could cause loss of vehicle control.
• Use extreme caution on bridges and overpasses: Black ice typically forms first in shaded areas of the roadway. Bridges and overpasses freeze first and melt last.
• Move over for emergency vehicles: It's the law to move over one lane for law enforcement and emergency roadside personnel assisting motorists.
• Don't frozen windshield wipers: Defrost the windshield beforehand. Drivers can also pull the wipers away from the windshield to avoid freezing.