(January 29, 2015) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) reminds travelers to use caution when driving this afternoon and evening with sleet, snow, freezing rain and/or rain predicted during the evening rush hours.  Recent similar storms are a chilly reminder that winter is here – and conditions can rapidly change when air and pavement temperatures are right around freezing.  This is another scenario when just one degree can mean the difference between wet or potentially icy conditions – drivers are urged to be on guard, slow down and stay alert.

“We want everyone to arrive at their destinations safely. We have yet another storm where the primary impact is expected to be during a weekday rush hour,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters.  “Crews will treat roads, but with freezing rain and sleet expected, we continue to ask drivers to drive cautiously and at a speed appropriate for the conditions.”

SHA is monitoring the storm from the Statewide Operations Center, and will deploy crews this afternoon.  Emergency traffic patrols and maintenance crews will also assist drivers and respond to traffic incidents. 

Travelers are advised to use extra caution when driving or walking along bridges, sidewalks, near ramps and at intersections; use headlights when wipers are in operation; remember to buckle up; and to yield appropriately at locations where traffic signals do not have electrical power.

SHA recommends that all highway users monitor local radio, TV and internet for the latest weather forecast and traffic conditions and use 511 (1-855-GO-MD511) or www.md511.org.

###
​