Ice Threat Prompts Winter Weather Advisories In Maryland

BALTIMORE, MD — As the forecast is becoming clearer for Monday, the National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories and a special weather statement to give Maryland, D.C. and Virginia commuters a heads up. Officials are calling for freezing rain or rain that freezes once it hits the ground.

A glaze of ice is possible on roads, sidewalks and bridges, according to weather officials. Periods of freezing rain are expected to cause travel difficulties.

During a winter weather advisory for freezing rain, drivers should slow down and be prepared for slippery roads, and pedestrians should exercise caution.

A winter weather advisory is effective from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 8, for the following counties:

• Allegany (central and eastern)
• Baltimore (northern)
• Carroll
• Frederick
• Harford (northwest and southeast)
• Washington

Areas south of Baltimore are under a separate winter weather advisory calling for the same freezing rain and icy conditions but during a different time frame, from 3 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 8:

• Anne Arundel
• Baltimore (southern)
• Montgomery (northwest, central, southeast)
• Howard (northwest, central, southeast)
• District of Columbia
• Parts of Virginia (central, northern and northwest)

Even if temperatures rise above freezing, surfaces will likely ice over once rain hits due to the recent Arctic blast that has caused ground temperatures to plummet, according to the National Weather Service.

_{Graphic courtesy of the National Weather Service.}

"There is a potential for hazardous commuting conditions for the Monday afternoon and evening commute. A light wintry mix with freezing is likely. While amounts are expected to be light, any amount of freezing rain on any untreated area roads could quickly turn them icy," the National Weather Service said in a special weather statement. "This could lead to dangerous traveling conditions, multiple accidents, and extensive delays."

Drivers should plan ahead by giving themselves extra travel time, and the National Weather Service recommends using public transportation and telework options if possible.

Starting Tuesday, high temperatures are expected to be above freezing through the end of the week. Check the forecast from the National Weather Service.

This article has been updated to reflect that the National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories for the region.

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