ANNAPOLIS, Md.- The Maryland State Highway Administration is tracking a coastal storm expected to produce a cold rain that may turn into snow showers in some parts of the state Wednesday afternoon during peak travel time.
The SHA is urging travelers to expect and plan for longer afternoon commute times as roads could become slippery. Pavement temperatures are generally above freezing, which should prevent snow from initially bonding to the surface, according to officials. However, the SHA said any snow or sleet in the metropolitan areas will result in significantly slower traffic speeds.
"Rush hour and snow is a bad combination for commuters and for highway crews. This is central Maryland's first winter weather this season and although it may be light, the timing couldn't be worse," said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. "SHA crews will treat the roads with salt when it starts snowing but keep in mind, those trucks are in the same traffic on the same roads as commuters and there may be many places where the salt never reaches the road. Pavement temperatures should be warm enough that it doesn't stick but there are no guarantees. Please give our crews space to treat roadways and plan for a potentially rough commute."
The SHA said it will not pre-treat any roads with salt brine because air and pavement temperatures are relatively high and the storm is expected to begin as rain, which would wash away the pre-treatment.
Drivers can get the latest road conditions on SHA's website at www.roads.maryland.gov and clicking "CHART."
