Columbia Under Winter Weather Advisory

With snow on the way, the National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for the Baltimore-Washington area, including Columbia.

Snow may cause travel difficulties during the advisory period, which is from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

Approximately 1 to 2 inches of snow are in the forecast overnight through Tuesday morning.

Snowfall will be heaviest from 6 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service reports.

The following areas are included in the advisory: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties; the District of Columbia; and parts of Virginia.

A winter weather advisory means that snow may cause travel difficulties.

To get ahead of the weather, crews were out Monday putting salt brine on roads, which prevents the snow and ice from bonding to the pavement, the State Highway Administration reported.

Highway officials urge drivers to plan ahead for the Tuesday morning commute.

“...consider delaying travel if moderate or heavy snow falls during the rush hours,” State Highway Administrator Melinda Peters said in a statement Monday, noting how difficult it is to plow roads in heavy traffic.

Winter Driving Safety Tips from State Highway Administration

• Go slow in ice and snow.
• Do not pass plows.
• Pack a winter survival kit with blanket, fully charged cell phone, jumper cables, shovel and ice scraper.
• Approach intersections where traffic signals are out like a four-way stop; then proceed when safe.
• Plan your route in advance. Check road closures here.