Winter Weather Advisory Issued For Montgomery County

SILVER SPRING, MD — Thursday's freezing temperatures and mixed precipitation has put parts of Montgomery County under a winter weather advisory. The advisory will be in effect Thursday, Nov. 15 from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. The National Weather Service calls for up to an inch of sleet and snow, and up to a tenth of an inch of ice.

Slippery road conditions are anticipated that may affect the morning or evening commutes, according to officials.

"Be very careful if you venture outside tomorrow," the National Weather Service said. "Watch your first few steps in particular as your step or path may be coated with ice."

The National Weather Service also issued a winter weather advisory for portions of D.C., central Maryland, and northern Virginia.

Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Harford County, and Howard County are under a separate winter weather advisory from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 15.

Cecil County is also under a separate winter weather advisory for up to 1 inch of snow and a light glaze of ice from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14. The advisory states a wintry mix is expected to move over Delmarva around 7 a.m. and move northeast mid-morning.

"Thursday morning's predicted wintry mix of precipitation will make for slippery conditions on roadways in our region and will create a headache for commuters heading to work and school," AAA Mid-Atlantic Public and Government Affairs Manager Ragina Cooper Averella said in a statement. "Roads that are slick or ice-covered can create a worst-case scenario for drivers."

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

Image via Shutterstock

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