Maryland Weather Warning: Black Ice Danger Overnight

Much of Maryland is under a weather warning Thursday night as black ice is expected to freeze on roads where snow fell earlier in the day. The National Weather Service said at 5:42 p.m. that many parts of Maryland and Virginia could see dangerous icy spots on roads as temperatures drop into the low 20s by Friday morning.

Where snow showers fell this afternoon, roadways and walkways are wet. As the sun sets and temperatures continue to fall, untreated surfaces are likely to freeze and become icy, says the weather warning. "This will lead to dangerous travel conditions this evening. Be aware that what looks like wet pavement may actually be icy. Drive slowly, allow extra travel time, and brake gently. Pedestrians should exercise extreme caution while walking."

While the chilly temperatures won't last long, they will make driving a hazard. Scattered snow showers are also possible in the region, mainly before 7 p.m. Thursday. Friday's highs will climb into the low 40s, and by Saturday we're back to the toasty mid-50s, the National Weather Service predicts.

Areas included in the special weather statement are: the District of Columbia, plus Carroll, Baltimore, Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Howard, Harford counties in Maryland. Cities include: Baltimore, Eldersburg, Westminster, Reisterstown, Cockeysville, Bowie, Suitland-Silver Hill, Clinton, College Park, Greenbelt, Laurel, Camp Springs, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, Severn, South Gate, Severna Park, Arnold, Odenton, Lusby, Germantown, Damascus, Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Lisbon, Columbia, Ellicott City, Jarrettsville, and Aberdeen.

In Virginia, the areas of Frederick, Prince William, Manassas/Manassas Park, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford, Loudoun are in the warning, plus the cities of Woodstock, Dale City, Manassas, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Montclair, Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, Mclean, Franconia, Arlington, Alexandria, Falmouth, Fredericksburg, Warrenton, Leesburg, Ashburn, and Sterling.

»Patch file photo