Maryland Highway Officials Urge Drivers To Use Caution Ahead Of Winter Weather
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Snow and rain in the forecast are a cause for concern Saturday, but freezing temperatures will be the real dangers for drivers.
Due to the snow chance, the National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Baltimore and points north and west from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.
A period of snow will arrive Saturday, followed by a wintry mix of sleet then rain as warmer temperatures push into the region.
"The further north and west you go are going to be the more accumulating snows," Charlie Gischlar, of the Maryland Department of Transportation, said. "Around here, it's going to be more of that mixture between rain, snow, sleet and then some freezing rain."
Some highways like I-83 and I-695 have already been pre-treated with salt brine to try to keep drivers safe, but still, officials urged residents to use caution.
"People need to slow down and just pay more attention to the roadway," Gischlar said. "Making sure your vehicle has proper tread on your tires."
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City officials told drivers to plan ahead, and if you must travel, go slow and leave distance between you and the car in front.
At Ady's Hardware Store in Towson, owner Vincent Ayd said he's had a spike in sales this week while homeowners prepare for the snow.
"Earlier this afternoon, sleds started selling, snow shovels and ice melt," he said. "That's typically a normal sale for smaller stores."
Shoppers at a grocery store down the road stocked up to get ready for the winter weather as well.
"My preparation is about preparing for power loss," a resident told WJZ. "That usually happens with ice storms... therefore, fireplace, wood, water."
Pat Baker, a Wyoming resident, had a message for Maryland drivers who might not be used to driving in winter weather.
"Slow down, but not five miles-per-hour," she said. "Just slow down and be cautious."
