Westminster, Maryland – Roads across northern Maryland could turn slick after 1 a.m. Tuesday as freezing rain develops, threatening the morning commute through early afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday for Carroll, northern Baltimore and northwest Harford counties. Forecasters expect up to 1 inch of snow, followed by ice accumulations up to one tenth of an inch.
A brief round of snow or sleet may move through Monday afternoon, but the primary travel risk arrives overnight. Snow and sleet will transition to freezing rain, which could glaze bridges and overpasses along Interstate 83, Route 140, Route 30 and portions of I-795 before daybreak Tuesday. Even a thin layer of ice can create hazardous driving conditions, especially on untreated secondary roads.
Motorists should reduce speed, allow extra stopping distance and check 511 for real-time road updates. Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing by midday Tuesday, allowing precipitation to change to plain rain and improving travel conditions. Additional advisories may be issued if ice totals increase overnight.
