Baltimore, MD – Maryland drivers are urged to use extra caution Tuesday night into Wednesday morning as temperatures are expected to fall sharply, leading to flash freeze conditions on roads statewide. The National Weather Service says leftover moisture from Tuesday’s rain could freeze quickly overnight, forming black ice on major highways such as I-95, I-70, and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295).
A flash freeze occurs when pavement temperatures drop below freezing within a short period, instantly turning wet surfaces into ice. Even when skies clear, black ice may be nearly invisible to drivers, especially in low-lying or shaded areas.
According to weather experts, vehicles traveling 35 mph on icy pavement may need up to 600 feet to stop — six times the normal distance on dry roads. Motorists are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid cruise control overnight and into the Wednesday morning commute.
“Even a brief drop below freezing can cause roads to glaze over,” the NWS said in a Tuesday evening update. “Expect slick bridges, ramps, and overpasses early Wednesday.”
Drivers across Baltimore, Howard, and Montgomery Counties should allow extra travel time Wednesday morning and remain alert until temperatures climb later in the day.
