Winter Weather Advisory, Flood Watch Issued For Montgomery Co

SILVER SPRING, MD — The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory and a flood watch for parts of Montgomery County.

The winter weather advisory is in effect until 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15. Forecasters call for up to three inches of snow and sleet, and up to one tenth of an inch of ice.

The flood watch is in effect for the rest of Thursday, Nov. 15. The National Weather Service predicts there will be between one and a half to two inches of rain. Thursday's weather may affect evening commutes.

To stay safe, drivers should plan ahead and give themselves extra time for the Thursday evening commute.

AAA Mid-Atlantic reminds drivers to be prepared and follow these winter driving tips:

• Avoid braking and turning at the same time. Brake first, then turn, then accelerate. Accelerate and decelerate more slowly than you would on dry roads.
• Leave plenty of space between your car and the car ahead of you. Increase following distances to at least 6 seconds.
• Drive with your low-beam headlights on, even during daylight.
• Be predictable. Use turn signals, make sure lanes are clear before changing and leave plenty of time to stop.
• Avoid using cruise control, which can reduce traction.
• If you start to skid, don't slam on the brakes. Continue to look and steer in the direction you want the car to go.
• Avoid puddles when it's safe to do so.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Stay alert and minimize distractions. Don't text, talk on the phone or drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• In snow and ice, try not to stop when heading up a steep hill. After you've stopped, applying extra gas to get started again may only spin your wheels. Get some momentum going on a flat road as you approach the hill to help you reach the top, then reduce your speed and drive down the hill slowly.
• If your visibility is so limited you can't see in front of you, carefully pull off to the side of the road and stop completely.

For road condition updates in Maryland, call 511.

Patch's Deb Belt and Elizabeth Janney contributed to this report.

More updates may follow

Image via Shutterstock

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