Maryland Highway Officials Advise Staying Off Roads

After snow blanketed Maryland on Sunday, the State Highway Administration said it dispatched 1,800 trucks to plow and salt the numbered roadways overnight and early Monday morning.

"Ice is a major concern for this evening," Lora Rakowski, public information officer for the State Highway Administration, said at 5 p.m. Sunday, when she said crews were turning their attention to sleet and freezing rain.

Up to one-quarter inch of ice may accumulate by Monday morning, as freezing rain continues overnight and temperatures hover below freezing.

Crashes and disabled vehicles were reported across the state, so officials advised staying off the roads.

"Driving conditions are still very dangerous—and the best advice is not to drive if at all possible,” State Highway Administrator Melinda B. Peters said. "Ice is difficult for drivers to detect and much more difficult to treat than snow."

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the entire Baltimore-Washington area until 10 a.m. Monday due to the freezing rain, which may cause power outages and deteriorating conditions due to icing on roadways.

Emergency traffic patrols were out to assist motorists, and heavy-duty tow trucks were positioned around the state in the event that large trucks became disabled, according to the State Highway Administration's report.

Snow emergency plans were in effect in Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's and Washington counties, meaning vehicles were not to park on roads designated as "snow emergency routes."

6 Winter Driving Tips from the State Highway Administration

• Leave plenty of distance between vehicles.
• Allow for extra travel time.
• Try to move onto the shoulder if your vehicle becomes disabled.
• Treat traffic lights that are out as four-way stops.
• Buckle up.