Another messy, slippery morning commute is forecast for Monday, this time with pockets of freezing rain expected across the region.
The National Weather Service forecasts a wintry mix starting at about midnight Sunday night and continuing through Monday morning. A glaze of ice could coat pavement, particularly in areas north and west of Baltimore at higher elevations.
Forecasters said relatively warm south wind could prevent ice accumulation. But recent freezing temperatures have kept the ground cold, "so it's not going to take long for the rain to freeze" on roads, NWS meteorologist Heather Sheffield said.
A freezing rain advisory is in effect from 10 p.m. Sunday until 9 a.m. Monday for the region. About a quarter of an inch to half an inch of total precipitation is forecast, ending as rain around midday and in the early afternoon.
Federal offices in Washington, D.C., and multiple school districts in the Baltimore area announced that they would open two hours late Monday. Public schools in Harford County, Carroll County and the Hereford Zone closed. McDaniel College also closed. Liberal leave is in effect for state offices and for federal workers.
Temperatures are forecast to hover around freezing into mid-morning, making any ice slow to melt, cautions Foot's Forecast. As much as one or two 10ths of an inch of ice could accumulate in areas north and west of Baltimore, with lesser amounts along the Interstate 95 corridor, Foot's predicts.
Maryland State Police urged motorists to delay travel and use caution on the roads. Police, while citing accident responses by officers at Frederick, College Park, Golden Ring, La Plata, Easton and Salisbury barracks, asked motorists to delay their travel until after the morning rush hour.
Barracks reported that "interstates are passable, but secondary and side roads are slick and often ice covered," police said in a release.
The Maryland State Highway Administration warned that freezing rain overnight could make for "extremely dangerous" road conditions Monday morning and asked drivers "to delay or cancel early morning travel."
SHA workers on Sunday lined many Baltimore-area interstates and major roads with salt brine to prevent ice accumulation and planned to use salt and sand during the storm to melt the ice and provide better traction for drivers. The agency encouraged drivers to opt instead for public transportation.
"With last Tuesday's morning rush hour storm still fresh in our memories, we're again strongly advising motorists to avoid or delay driving Monday morning to give our crews the time and room they need to safely clear the roads," said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. "With pavement temperatures below freezing, any overnight or early morning precipitation will likely cause icy conditions – making driving extremely dangerous. Consider taking transit or working from home."
State police said motorists should increase the distance with which they follow other cars on the road.
AAA Mid-Atlantic issued a similar advisory, warning "cars and ice don't mix." It included tips on navigating the snow and ice, with "extreme caution, if you must drive."
The company recommended having an emergency kit, an extra ice scraper and plenty of de-icing fluid; accelerating, driving and braking slowly; giving other cars a wide berth; and driving distraction-free, among other tips.