Treacherous Wintry Mix for Metro Area

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for Montgomery and Prince George's counties until 1 p.m. today.

The alert calls for a mix of freezing rain, sleet and rain, with possible accumulations of less than one inch of sleet and under a tenth of an inch of ice.

Temperatures are expected to stay below freezing, which can cause treacherous road conditions.

In a statement released by the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) administrator Melinda B. peters urges motorists to "keep their speeds down as lighter traffic can result in increased travel speeds," and "to exercise extreme caution today."

Silver Spring resident Brian McCaw was out this morning in the wintry mix. "It was a little but unexpected," said McCaw. "I had to run to the grocery store, and while I'm used to driving in this weather, I can see how it would be tough for some people and I hope people take care out there."

With winter in full bloom, the SHA is also reminding travelers to keep an emergency kit in their car at all times, with items such as:

•       a shovel
•       jumper cables
•       snacks
•       blanket or sleeping bag
•       flashlight with extra batteries
•       high calorie non-perishable food
•       first aid kit
•       extra clothes
•       bottled water
•       a charged cell phone
•       kitty litter or other abrasives