Maryland is under a winter weather alert as a storm system is forecast to bring freezing rain, sleet, and hazardous road conditions from Friday afternoon through early Saturday. Forecasters warn this will be a high-impact winter event, with ice accumulation posing a significant risk to travel and power infrastructure.
Storm System to Bring Wintry Mix Friday Into Saturday
According to Chief Meteorologist Gerard Jebaily, the storm will begin impacting the region Friday afternoon, continuing through Friday night as temperatures remain at or below freezing. The cold conditions will allow precipitation to fall as a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and some snow, creating slippery conditions across much of Maryland.
Forecasters expect this to be a Level 3 out of 5 on the winter weather impacts scale, though it could be upgraded to Level 4 if conditions intensify.
Roads, Bridges, and Sidewalks Will Become Hazardous
The combination of freezing rain and sleet is expected to cause dangerous travel conditions, especially overnight Friday. Weather experts warn that:
- Bridges and overpasses will freeze first and become extremely slick
- Icy roads may persist into Saturday morning
- Sidewalks and untreated surfaces could become hazardous for pedestrians
Rain and sleet may continue through the night before conditions gradually improve Saturday as temperatures rise above freezing.
Ice Accumulation Could Impact Trees and Power Lines
Forecasters say freezing rain will likely coat trees, powerlines, and road surfaces, increasing the potential for:
- Isolated power outages
- Broken tree limbs
- Difficult driving conditions
Sleet accumulation could reach up to 1 inch in some areas, adding another layer of difficulty for motorists.
Snow Likely in Northern Areas, But Ice Is Main Concern
While some light snow accumulation is possible, this system is expected to be more ice-focused than snow-focused. Snow will be more likely north and east of the region, including parts of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and New England.
Maryland’s greatest threat remains the freezing rain and sleet expected Friday afternoon into early Saturday.
Storm Track Confidence High, Precipitation Type Less Certain
Meteorologists say confidence in the storm’s timing and path is high, but the exact mix of sleet, ice, or snow in specific counties may shift slightly as the system approaches. Regardless, hazardous conditions are expected across much of the state.
Weekend Outlook After the Storm
Conditions are expected to dry out on Saturday as the storm moves away. Temperatures will warm above freezing, helping to melt lingering ice. However, more showers are possible later Saturday, followed by a significant cold blast arriving Monday and lasting into next week.
Summary
Maryland residents should prepare for ice, sleet, and potentially dangerous travel beginning Friday afternoon. The storm is expected to create widespread hazards, with freezing rain posing the greatest risk through Saturday morning. Stay updated with the latest winter weather alerts and live storm coverage at HonkNews.com.