Weather Hazard For Maryland Commuters Possible

BALTIMORE, MD — The Friday afternoon commute for those in the Baltimore-Washington area may be more complicated than usual. Winter weather could arrive just as people are hitting the road.

According to the National Weather Service, there is a 50 percent chance of snow between 1 and 5 p.m. Friday. The forecast calls for the possibility of light snow.

While the snow may total less than an inch, weather officials advise the impact on traffic could be severe.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement Thursday evening 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.

Road temperatures will be below freezing — the high temperature Friday is 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:

Graphic courtesy of the National Weather Service.