Maryland Weather: Ice Continues To Be A Concern Friday; Cold Weekend Ahead

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Parts of Maryland continue to see some slick spots after the latest winter system moved through the state on Thursday and early Friday.

At times, roadways were covered in a wet-looking sheen, but there was no way to tell if it was ice or water until you drove over it. Meteorologists Tim Williams and Marty Bass said drivers should expect it to be ice.

According to Maryland State Police, troopers responded to 34 crashes overnight, between 10 p.m. Thursday and 6 a.m. Friday. In total, troopers responded to more than 383 crashes since Thursday morning.

Snow changed to sleet and freezing rain much quicker than anticipated Thursday morning thanks to a layer of warm air aloft. That made for significant ice accumulation across the state. As of early Thursday afternoon, snow totals ranged significantly from just half an inch in Annapolis to nearly six inches in some spots near the Maryland/Pennsylvania state line.

That led to very hazardous travel conditions, and things aren't totally resolved just yet. Baltimore's transportation department asked residents to do their part to clear sidewalks of snow and ice.

Quiet but cold weather will be in store for the weekend. Temperatures will bottom out in the low- to mid-20s Friday night and only hit just above freezing on Saturday with some strong winds of between 10 and 20 miles per hour.

Saturday night will be even colder, with a low temperature of 19 degrees.

For overnight Saturday into Sunday morning, Baltimore City's health department issued a code blue extreme cold alert.

The next chance for a wintry mix will come on Monday. It will be a very familiar story, with rain and wet snow for Baltimore and snow likely north and west of the city.

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