Maryland State Highways are treating roadways Tuesday as a cold front bringing a chance of snow and rain moves into the area.
The cold front has the potential to trigger a round of wintry mixed showers into Tuesday afternoon and evening. Temperatures are expected to drop into the 20s overnight with wind chills making it feel more like 10-15 degrees.
See also: Baltimore issues Code Blue for Tuesday night
"It's all about timing as every storm is," SHA spokesman Dave Buck said, adding, "The timing of what we do get should be during rush hour and then it’s supposed to be so cold in the overnight."
SHA will be pretreating many roads in advance of the storm. Use caution after dark as icy patches could form. cg pic.twitter.com/pkK2wnJO5K
— MD State Highway Adm (@MDSHA) January 12, 2016
SHA crews will be pre-treating roadways through 3 p.m. and then will turn their attention toward reacting to the precipitation that falls.
“The dryer it comes through the better it is for all involved," Buck said.
Passing showers will interact with cold air aloft - Rain & Snow will be likely this afternoon. #mdwx #BmoreWx pic.twitter.com/WWIENIv7vC
— Mike Taylor (@ABC2Mike) January 12, 2016
Buck also recommends anyone driving take their time.
“If you are in an area where there is any precipitation after 3 p.m., keep those speeds down because all it takes is one small area of ice," Buck said.
SHA maintains most interstates and U.S. state routes in Maryland. Crews
When treating roads, salt is the main material used by SHA during the winter season. It's effective on pavement temperatures of 20 degrees and higher, according to the SHA. Salt brine is also used on roads before storms start and has a freeze point of -6 degrees.
Download the ABC2 News app for the iPhone, Kindle and Android.
