'Avoid Travel Tuesday Afternoon And Evening': Maryland SHA

BALTIMORE, MD — The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for central Maryland ahead of the Tuesday evening commute. In addition, the Maryland Department of Transportation's State Highway Administration is urging drivers to prepare.

Rain, snow and below-freezing temperatures Tuesday are expected to make for hazardous driving conditions in much of the state and the Baltimore-Washington region.

The Maryland Department of Transportation "recommends that travelers plan accordingly and avoid travel Tuesday afternoon and evening," according to the State Highway Administration (SHA).

The forecast calls for rain turning into snow Tuesday afternoon. Then about 1 to 3 inches of snow may accumulate late Tuesday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service.

Timing of the precipitation is a concern, weather officials say.

The "abrupt transition to snow" may cause area road conditions to rapidly deteriorate during the Tuesday night commute, according to the National Weather Service, which released a special weather statement on the issue Monday, Jan. 28.

"If you plan on commuting Tuesday evening, be aware of the potential for travel disruptions," said the weather service in a special weather statement for the Baltimore-Washington area. "Plan ahead by allowing for extra travel time, and consider using public transportation and telework options."

Snow and ice could form during the afternoon and evening rush hour as an arctic air mass arrives with a low-pressure system across region, creating a sudden drop in temperatures, according to the SHA. Temperatures are predicted to be the coldest of the winter so far, officials say.

On Tuesday night, temperatures are forecast to drop below freezing, so any moisture left on the roads may turn to ice, according to the National Weather Service.

State highway officials say that crews will be aggressively patrolling for icy spots.

Drivers should keep in mind that elevated areas like bridges, ramps and overpasses freeze first.

Below-zero wind chills are likely from Tuesday night through Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Drivers Should Prepare Now: Tips From SHA

• Keep these in vehicles: blankets, snacks, water, full gas tank and fully charged mobile device.
• Before cold hits, check the cooling system for any leaks in the radiator and the coolant hoses.
• Allow extra time for travel.
• Use the SHA's STORM web application to see where roads have been treated.

Check the forecast from the National Weather Service.

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