Maryland Begins To Thaw Out After Ice Storm

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It's slippery, messy and cold outside.  As Maryland thaws out from one storm, another system inches in.  Most people woke  up Tuesday to a layer of ice on cars, sidewalks and just about everywhere.

Weijia Jiang has a look at some hard-hit areas and the concern about more icy conditions.

Marylanders are cleaning up after a wintry mix made a mess on sidewalks and roads.

"Had to go to work an hour early just to get to work on time," said one person.

An icy Tuesday morning made getting around many parts of Maryland a treacherous task.

"Everything was iced over...the car, the sidewalk, my steps," said Zema Butler, St. Mary's County.

Roads were covered with a thick layer of ice and slush and gave plows a workout.

"It's like pushing ice cream.  Push one way, it goes the other way," said a worker.

State highway crews plan to stay out through Wednesday night.  They're now worried about even more precipitation and re-freezing, especially around drains.  They urge drivers to do their part, too.  Authorities say leaving snow or ice on your car could lead to extensive damage on someone else's car.

"The ice coming off a vehicle and flying on the Beltway at 60 miles per hour traveling, that is a big obstacle.  It could cause damage, someone to have a crash or injure somebody," said Valerie Burnette Edgar, State Highway Administration.

"It does get really heavy if you have a big pile," said Brandon Dampman.

Dampman says sidewalks can be just as dangerous.  He joins the many who are braving the elements to make room in case another round of winter weather is on the way.

There were about 1,400 people with the SHA out clearing the roads Monday night.  Many of them will also treat the roads Tuesday because they are expected to refreeze.