MD Storm: Rain, Burst Of Snow To Welcome Region Into Frigid Christmas Weekend

MARYLAND — Forecasters anticipate the rain falling across most of central Maryland Friday morning to turn into a quick burst of snow in some areas later in the morning as frigid air moves into the region, leading officials to caution drivers about icy spots quickly popping up.

No significant accumulations are expected in the Baltimore area and the D.C. suburbs, but officials are concerned about the potential for a flash freeze. Residents should plan for slick streets and sidewalks because any lingering moisture will likely freeze due to the rapid drop in temperatures.

Complicating the wild weather are scattered power outages across the state caused by strong winds, with about 15,971 customers in the dark Friday morning, according to PowerOutage.US.

The rain showers Thursday morning may be accompanied by thunder before changing to snow by late morning. Some areas may get a dusting. Drivers should keep an eye out for wet spots that may flash-freeze as skies trend clearer in the afternoon.

Current morning temperatures started Friday morning in the low 40s. By 1 p.m., temperatures in central Maryland are expected to plunge into the teens and 20s, according to the National Weather Service.

READ ALSO: How To Keep Your Pipes From Freezing As MD Wind Chill Drops To 10 Below Zero

Transportation officials in Maryland say they are monitoring the weather and sending crews to respond to the expected icy conditions. They recommend travelers keep an emergency kit in their cars, plus travel with fully-charged phones in case of a breakdown or emergency.

The clearing skies later Friday morning and gusty winds could help dry some roads, but any surface that is still wet and untreated will turn icy as temperatures quickly drop below freezing, WBAL-TV reported.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said he activated the state's emergency response operations in anticipation of the winter weather. He called for Marylanders to be prepared and adjust their plans as necessary.

The NWS has issued a wind chill advisory from 4 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday for central Maryland, with wind chills as low as 10 below zero possible.

Garrett County and far western Allegany County are under a wind chill warning because it could feel as low as 45 degrees below 0 there. Drivers also should expect icy conditions in Western Maryland, particularly at higher elevations, The Baltimore Sun reported.

Based on the weather forecast and the timing anticipated to create unsafe travel conditions in the afternoon, Harford County Public Schools and offices will be closed Friday. All schools and offices at Howard County Public Schools will also be closed Friday. Schools in Anne Arundel and Baltimore counties and Baltimore City were already closed Friday as part of the approved calendar for winter break.

Here is the National Weather Service's central Maryland and D.C. area suburbs weather forecast for the next few days.

Friday: Rain showers, possibly mixing with snow after 9 a.m., then gradually ending. Temperature falling to around 15 by 5 p.m. Wind chill values as low as -2. Breezy, with a south wind 16 to 24 mph becoming west in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 48 mph.

Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 8. Wind chill values as low as -8. West wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 21. Wind chill values as low as -8. West wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 15. West wind around 8 mph.

Christmas Day: Sunny, with a high near 26. West wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 16.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 30.

Monday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21.