Weather
Maryland Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Ice Storm Danger
Annapolis, MD – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Maryland. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tuesday, Oct
By Natalie Brooks · 2026-10-27T07:46:38.647Z
Annapolis, MD – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Maryland. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tuesday, October 27, residents are being reminded that freezing rain and river ice jams can create serious emergencies during the colder months.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , freezing rain occurs when liquid precipitation freezes upon contact with surfaces at or below freezing. Accumulating ice can make travel hazardous, damage trees and power lines, and disrupt electrical service across entire communities.
How Much Ice Can Cause Serious Problems? Even a thin coating of ice can make untreated roads, bridges and sidewalks dangerously slippery. Accumulations approaching half an inch can cause significant tree damage and widespread power outages.
Drivers traveling Interstate 95, Interstate 70, Interstate 68 and Interstate 83 should exercise extreme caution when freezing rain is forecast, particularly across northern and western Maryland, where colder elevations can increase icing concerns.
Ice Jams Can Trigger Sudden Winter Flooding Another dangerous winter threat develops when river ice accumulates and restricts water flow, potentially causing water levels to rise rapidly upstream.
Winter thaws, heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt can increase flooding risks, especially when frozen ground prevents water from soaking into the soil.
Communities along the upper Potomac, Susquehanna and Monocacy rivers can face ice jam concerns during winter warmups, particularly in colder inland areas.
How Maryland Residents Can Prepare Before severe winter weather arrives, residents should take several important precautions:
Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets and emergency supplies accessible. Charge phones and prepare for possible extended power outages. Avoid unnecessary driving during significant freezing rain. Stay away from downed power lines and unstable river ice. Never drive through flooded roadways. Residents can monitor official forecasts and river conditions through the NWS Baltimore/Washington office and NWS Philadelphia/Mount Holly office , which cover different portions of Maryland.
Winter weather awareness efforts continue through Saturday, October 31 , emphasizing the importance of preparing before ice storms and winter flooding threaten communities statewide.