National Weather Service Issues Winter Storm Watch

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch that will remain in effect until Thursday evening.

A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel.

According to the NWS, snow, ice, and sleet accumulations of one quarter inch or greater are possible throughout the region.

Hazardous storms and inclement weather are a factor in more than half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter, according to research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

As Marylanders head to work and school Thursday morning, AAA Mid-Atlantic officials are urging motorists to be especially careful throughout the day.

“Thursday morning’s predicted wintry mix of precipitation will make for slippery conditions on roadways in our region and will create a headache for commuters heading to work and school,” said Ragina Cooper Averella, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Roads that are slick or ice-covered can create a worst-case scenario for drivers.”

To assist commuters with navigating through the anticipated inclement weather, AAA Mid-Atlantic recommends the following driving tips:

• Minimize the need to brake on ice: if you’re approaching a stop sign, traffic light or other area where ice often forms, brake early on clear pavement to reduce speed. Maintaining control of your vehicle is much more difficult when braking on ice-covered roadways.
• Control the skid: in the event of a skid, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
• Ice coated windshield/windows: never pour hot water on windshield or windows, this can cause the glass to break. Use vehicle defrosters to melt ice for easier removal. Don’t use windshield wipers to remove ice – this will damage the blades.

Find more safety tips from AAA Mid-Atlantic by clicking here. 

Multiple precipitation types are expected across the area in association with tomorrow's storm. Here's some insight into how snow, sleet, freezing rain and rain form. pic.twitter.com/6uuR41m8mU

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) November 14, 2018

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for all areas west of the Blue Ridge Mountains in MD, VA and eastern WV late tonight through Friday. Several inches of snow and sleet as well as a glaze of ice from freezing rain may make travel hazardous and result in scattered power outages. pic.twitter.com/IXbcZUbHq6

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) November 14, 2018

About Mitti Hicks

Mitti Hicks is a multimedia journalist and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She is passionate about telling stories that impact our community and may be reached at MHicks@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter @mittimegan.

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