Predicted Icy Roads Cancel Anne Arundel Schools Morning Events

ANNAPOLIS, MD — With forecasts calling for icy roads early Saturday and hazardous weather conditions expected overnight and into the morning, Anne Arundel County Public Schools is canceling Saturday morning activities.

The school system said in a Friday email:

Due to the forecast for icy conditions tomorrow morning, all school-sponsored activities scheduled to begin before noon on Saturday, December 17, are canceled. Activities scheduled for tonight and those scheduled to begin after noon tomorrow will go on as scheduled. For the status of activities sponsored by agencies other than Anne Arundel County Public Schools, parents should check with the sponsoring agency.

The National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories for the Baltimore and Washington metro areas from midnight until 9 a.m. Saturday. The advisory warns of slippery roads and walkways, making travel difficult.

"While some snow and sleet is expected, the main concern is a period of freezing rain which may make roads very icy, especially after the ongoing very cold weather," according to a weather service statement. "Winter Storm Watches remain in effect further north and west, where icing may be more severe."

Anne Arundel County and the Baltimore area are included in the weather advisory.

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The precipitation will begin as snow and sleet after midnight, changing to freezing rain before dawn on Saturday morning. It will eventually change to rain around mid-morning Saturday as temperatures warm.

The worst of the ice appears to be in communities north and west of Washington, as well as the Baltimore metro area.

There's only a chance for measurable snow in the forecast, and it would likely be trace amounts.

Here are 8 tips for driving in winter weather conditions, provided by AAA:

• Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
• Never run a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full.
• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
• Always look and steer where you want to go.
• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

The high Saturday will be near 45 degrees. Showers and high winds will continue through Sunday, with the high up to 54 degrees.

For the latest traffic information, check www.md511.org.

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