Weather
Maryland Winter Alert: Hidden Road Hazard Can Strike Overnight
Annapolis, MD – One invisible patch of ice can turn an ordinary weekend drive into a devastating emergency. Across Maryland, a dangerous winter roadway hazard can develop silently overnight, leaving u
By Grant Holloway · 2026-11-07T08:45:44.429Z
Annapolis, MD – One invisible patch of ice can turn an ordinary weekend drive into a devastating emergency. Across Maryland, a dangerous winter roadway hazard can develop silently overnight, leaving unsuspecting motorists facing slippery pavement that may look completely harmless until their vehicles begin sliding out of control.
According to the National Weather Service, black ice can form when rain, melting snow or lingering roadway moisture freezes as temperatures drop, creating a thin, nearly transparent coating that blends into the pavement.
The frightening reality? Drivers may not realize the roadway is frozen until their tires suddenly lose traction.
Unlike snow covered highways, black ice often resembles ordinary wet pavement, giving motorists little visual warning of the danger ahead.
As colder weather approaches, overnight refreezing becomes an important concern across Maryland, particularly during early morning travel following rainfall or daytime melting.
Bridges, overpasses, shaded intersections and untreated roadways are especially vulnerable because pavement temperatures can fall below freezing even when surrounding roads appear clear.
Drivers traveling through Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick, Hagerstown and communities across western Maryland should remain aware of changing roadway conditions throughout the colder months.
The danger can become particularly serious along heavily traveled highways such as I 95, I 70, I 83 and I 695, where unexpected ice can leave motorists with little time to react.
A sudden loss of traction can make braking and steering difficult, increasing the risk of collisions, serious injuries, permanent disabilities or fatalities.
The National Weather Service recommends checking forecasts, reducing speed and increasing following distances whenever freezing conditions are possible.
Motorists should also avoid sudden braking or sharp steering movements on potentially icy pavement.
Maryland drivers can monitor roadway conditions through the state's 511 traveler information service and Maryland 511 website.
The winter safety guidance does not confirm a statewide black ice event for Saturday, Nov. 7. Actual risks depend on local temperatures and roadway moisture.
Still, the warning deserves attention as winter approaches.
Because the most dangerous stretch of your weekend drive might be the one that looks perfectly safe.