Maryland battles icy roads as wintry mix disrupts weekend travel
A wintry mix swept through Maryland over the weekend, forcing road crews to work non-stop. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) adjusted its plans to keep roads clear as freezing temperatures set in. Residents faced difficult travel conditions, with slippery surfaces slowing down commutes.
All day Sunday, crews battled the wintry mix to clear major routes. MDOT SHA deployed hundreds of workers and contractors, using infrared sensors and weather stations to identify problem areas. The effort aimed to prevent ice from forming as temperatures dropped.
Local resident Dominic Callaway described his commute as longer than usual due to the slippery roads. By Sunday night, teams were restocking salt at a storage facility in Timonium to prepare for overnight freezing.
SHA spokesman Charlie Gischlar confirmed that patrols would continue after sunset and into Monday morning. Their focus was on monitoring icy patches as temperatures were forecast to fall below freezing.
Medical professionals also issued warnings about the cold. Dr. Gregory Corcoran, chief of emergency medicine at Sinai Hospital, urged people to bundle up or stay indoors. He highlighted the risks of frostbite and hypothermia, advising layered clothing and limited exposure. Those with chronic health conditions were told to avoid strenuous activities like shovelling.
The storm left roads hazardous, but MDOT SHA’s round-the-clock efforts aimed to reduce risks for drivers. With freezing conditions persisting, officials and doctors alike stressed caution—both on the roads and in the cold. Residents were reminded to take precautions to avoid weather-related injuries.
