Hour-By-Hour Forecast Of Monday Rain, Sleet, Ice In Anne Arundel

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Sleet and freezing rain are expected to fall at times through about 10 p.m. Monday, making roads icy and the evening commute risky. The sleet and ice has already led the county to dismiss school three hours early. Forecasters are calling for freezing rain or rain that freezes once it hits the ground, even as temperatures hover at or above the freezing mark.

A glaze of ice is possible on roads, sidewalks and bridges, according to weather officials. Periods of freezing rain are expected to cause travel difficulties. During a winter weather advisory for freezing rain, drivers should slow down and be prepared for slippery roads, and pedestrians should exercise caution. Patch has the complete forecast and a breakdown of the snow wintry mix impacts for Anne Arundel County (see below).

Even if air temperatures rise above freezing, the ground and other surfaces are still extremely cold due to the recent Arctic blast. This increases the likelihood of a glaze of ice on surfaces, the weather service says.

A winter weather advisory is effective until 9 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 8, for Anne Arundel County. Read more: Ice Threat Prompts Winter Weather Advisories In Maryland

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The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration warns drivers to be careful on bridges, ramps and overpasses since these elevated sections of road freeze first. Drivers can view the latest road conditions on www.MD511.org. Or follow SHA on Twitter @MDSHA and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandStateHighwayAdministration.

Here is a breakdown of the ice chances, wind speeds and temperatures for Anne Arundel County:

MONDAY
4 p.m.

• Temperature: 34 degrees
• Wind: 9 mph
• Precipitation: 80% chance
• Rain: 0.04 inches (4 to 6 p.m.)
• Freezing Rain: No measurable amount (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Sleet: Slight chance (4 to 7 p.m.)

7 p.m.

• Temperature: 33 degrees
• Wind: 9 mph
• Precipitation: 80% chance
• Rain: 0.04 inches (7 to 9 p.m.)
• Freezing Rain: 0.01 inches (ends by 11 p.m.)
• Sleet: Occasional chance (4 to 7 p.m.)

10 p.m.

• Temperature: 34 degrees
• Wind: 8 mph
• Precipitation: 10% chance and dropping overnight
• Snow: Slight chance (10 to 11 p.m.)
• Freezing Rain: Ends by 11 p.m.
• Sleet: Slight chance (10 to 11 p.m.)

The latest road conditions for Maryland can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

“This afternoon’s predicted wintry mix of precipitation will make for slippery conditions on roadways in our region and could create a headache for commuters heading home,” said Ragina Cooper Averella, Public and Government Affairs Manager for AAA Mid-Atlantic.

Even though a heavy snowfall is not expected, the timing of the precipitation, in the height of rush hour, is cause for concern, Averella said.

AAA safe driving tips for slick or icy roadways:

• Slow down: accelerate, turn and brake gradually. Adjust your speed to the road conditions and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. Allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
• Do not tailgate: normal following distances of 3 to 4 seconds on dry pavement should be extended to a minimum of 8 to 10 seconds when driving on slippery surfaces. The extra time will provide additional braking room should a sudden stop become necessary.
• Watch the traffic ahead: slow down immediately at the sight of brake lights, fishtailing cars, sideways skids or emergency flashers ahead.
• Never use cruise control on slippery roads: patches of ice can cause unexpected wheel spin and use of cruise control can slow driver response.
• Avoid unnecessarily changing lanes: this increases the chances of hitting a patch of ice between lanes that could cause loss of vehicle control.
• Use extreme caution on bridges and overpasses: black ice typically forms first in shaded areas of the roadway and on bridges and overpasses that freeze first and melt last. Although the road leading up to a bridge may be fine, the bridge itself could be a sheet of ice.
• Move Over: move over one lane for law enforcement and emergency roadside personnel assisting motorists. It is the law. If you are unable to move over, slow down.
• Carry a winter weather kit in your car: contents should include a fully charged cellphone (and car charger), ice scraper, blanket, warm winter clothing, flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, a bag of kitty litter, reflective triangles/flares, shovel and cloth/paper towels.

AAA Tips for Braking on Ice:

• Minimize the need to brake on ice: if you’re approaching a stop sign, traffic light or other area where ice often forms, brake early on clear pavement to reduce speed. Maintaining control of your vehicle is much more difficult when braking on ice-covered roadways.
• Control the skid: in the event of a skid, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
• If your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS): do not remove your foot from the brake during a skid. When you apply the brakes hard enough to make the wheels lock momentarily, you will typically feel the brake pedal vibrate and pulsate back against your foot. This is normal and the system is working as designed. Do not release pressure on the pedal or attempt to “pump” the brakes.
• If your car does not have an anti-lock braking system: keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to modulate the pressure applied to the brake pedal so the brakes are at the “threshold” of lockup but still rotating.

AAA tips when icing conditions affect vehicles:

• Ice coated windshield/windows: NEVER pour hot water on windshield or windows, this can cause the glass to break. Use vehicle defrosters to melt ice for easier removal. Don’t use windshield wipers to remove ice – this will damage the blades.
• Frozen windows: do not continue to push the power window buttons if the window is frozen, it can damage the mechanics inside the door and can also cause the window to break.
• Frozen locks: never use water to thaw frozen locks, instead use commercial deicing products or heat the key and lock with a hair dryer. A lighter can also be used to heat the key.
• Frozen windshield wipers: If windshield wipers are frozen to the windshield, use the heater and defroster to melt the ice before turning the windshield wipers on. When you arrive at your destination remember to pull the windshield wipers away from the windshield to prevent refreezing.

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