Weather

More Snow For MD: Winter Weather Advisory Issued

A winter weather advisory for much of Maryland has been issued for Friday, Dec. 15. Forecasters warn the evening commute could be awful.

BALTIMORE, MD — Another round of snow will move into Maryland Friday afternoon, setting up what could be a slick and chaotic evening commute, warn weather forecasters. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the Baltimore-Washington area from 1 to 7 p.m. The weather service warns drivers heading home from work to plan on slippery road conditions in the District of Columbia, Baltimore and surrounding portions of Maryland and Virginia.

Areas in the winter weather advisory include Washington, D.C., along with Frederick, Carroll, Baltimore, Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Howard and Harford counties in Maryland.

Total snow accumulations of one to two inches are expected. The NWS says light snow will increase across the advisory area Friday afternoon, with conditions turning icy on any untreated road surfaces.

Find out what's happening in Annapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

A winter weather advisory means that snow may cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow-covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

The National Weather Service had already issued a special weather statement Thursday warning of the 50 percent chance of hazardous conditions for commuters Friday afternoon. The advisory applies to Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Charles, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's counties and the District of Columbia.

Find out what's happening in Annapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Road temperatures will be below freezing — the high temperature Friday is expected to be 33 to 34 degrees — and untreated surfaces may ice over during the afternoon rush, causing crashes, hazards and delays.

Weather officials recommend allowing for extra travel time, taking public transportation and using telework options.

AAA offers the following tips for driving in the snow:

  • Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads. Accelerate and decelerate slowly.
  • Turn the steering wheel in the direction your wheels are going if you start to skid. Do not hit brakes or gas.
  • Increase following distance from 3 to 4 to 8 to 10 seconds.
  • Use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
  • Don't stop if you can help it. Slow down enough to stay moving until a traffic light changes.
  • Don't speed up or stop going uphill. Try to get a little inertia going on a flat surface before you reach a hill and let inertia carry you to the top. At the crest of the hill, reduce your speed. Proceed as slowly as possible.
  • Graphics courtesy of the National Weather Service; photo from Pixabay

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