Maryland highway crews prepare roads ahead of wintry mix

Maryland's State Highway Administration is treating major routes and highways in preparation for Tuesday morning's wintry mix.

Charlie Gischlar, the agency's spokesperson, said crews started the treatment work after Monday morning's rush hour.

Precipitation is expected to start falling between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., with first a few sprinkles, followed by snowflakes, and sleet pellets. Frederick, Carroll, and Howard County communities will be the first impacted. 

The storm spreads eastward through the morning hours. A messy wintry mix is expected during the morning commute across the Baltimore metro. 

It is likely that by 8 a.m., multiple precipitation types will be falling across Baltimore County, including snow, sleet, and plain cold rain. The Inner Harbor and downtown areas are expected to see the least snow accumulation, while the northern parts of the city are likely to receive at least a coating. 

"Right now, we're looking at areas north, west," Gischlar said. "Carroll County and west are going to get hit pretty good, they're saying.

Gischlar said crews also treated roads in Harford, Baltimore, northern Anne Arundel, and Howard counties.

He encourages drivers to take advantage of the State Transportation Operation Resource Map, also known as S.T.O.R.M.

"You can see where the trucks are currently and where they were for the last 30 minutes," Gischlar said. "It also shows some pavement temperatures in the area. Also on that main page, you can get access to live traffic cameras and any incidents."

Baltimore County residents prepare

Baltimore County resident Shellish Harrington had a to-do list Monday ahead of Maryland's winter weather.

"First, I had to get gas," Harrington said. "Actually, before we left the house, the bag that had our hat and gloves, I dumped the whole bag out to see how many gloves we had."

Harrington made sure her car and her son's car were weather-ready.

"We took his car to get serviced and to get the tires checked," Harrington said.

Meanwhile, the business the Dolbi Group is keeping their workers in mind ahead of the winter event.

"I have about 30 employees," said Shaikh Rahim, with the Dolbi Group. "I'm going to give them early off so they can be in their home with their family."

But some said, there's no need for any big adjustments.

"We've been through this many times before," Baltimore County resident Jim Taneyhill said. "People are pretty careful when they drive, and it's supposed to change to rain anyway. By the time I'm out and about, I think it'll be all out."

Taneyhill said he is appreciative of the State Highway Administration's quick response to road treatment. He said that help keeps the roads clear and keeps drivers safe.

Anne Arundel County weather impact

Crews in Anne Arundel County are preparing for a potential wintry mix. Officials expect impacts in the areas south of Route 50. In the areas north of Route 50, including Baltimore Washington International (BWI) airport, a wintry mix may accumulate to approximately one-half inch before turning completely to rain.

A reminder for winter weather

The first snow is usually a reminder for neighbors to check their winter supplies, making sure you have a shovel, gloves, ice melt, and that your snow blower works before a bigger storm comes knocking on our doors.

"Winter sales are very good because you've got Christmas, you've got decorating, you've got tree stands," Vincent Ayd, owner of Ayd Hardware in Towson, said. "Then snow shovels, ice melt, all that stuff. Keeps you busy through the winter, but the important thing there is to have snow on ice. If you don't, then we sit, and we look at these snow shovels collect dust, and that's no fun."

Our First Alert Weather team predicts average snowfall this winter. The Baltimore metro area could see between 15-20 inches total.

The winter season can bring fun for families with school closures and delaysSchool closings and delays for the Baltimore area on December 2.

"I can't believe that we're already dealing with the snow," Edward Leiva, of Towson, said with his two children. "They love the snow. Building igloos, whatever we can do to keep them busy and get outside of the house when you can."

It can also cause headaches on the road. The wintry mix expected on Tuesday could impact the morning commute, making it slow going to work and school.

"I am never ready," Chris Howe, of Towson, said. "Take your time and slow down. The usuals. [It] shouldn't be enough to really stick, though. It hasn't been below freezing, so if everybody just takes it easy and give yourself some extra time. I'm working from home this week, so sorry, guys."