Key Takeaways
- A multi-vehicle crash occurred on an icy overpass on Maryland 140 in Carroll County due to winter weather conditions
- Four people were taken to the hospital as a result of the crash
- The wintry weather caused disruptions at BWI Airport, with over 150 flights delayed and nearly 100 flights canceled
- Travelers experienced long wait times and cancellations, with some stuck in Baltimore until Monday
- The weather is expected to move out early Saturday morning
Introduction to the Inclement Weather
The state of Maryland experienced a wave of winter weather on Friday, leading to hazardous travel conditions and disruptions across the region. A multi-vehicle crash occurred on an icy overpass on Maryland 140 in Carroll County, resulting in four people being taken to the hospital. The crash happened at the intersection of Englar Road and MD-140 in Westminster, and the Maryland State Police were on the scene to respond to the incident. The wintry mix of freezing rain and sleet created slippery travel conditions on untreated roadways, particularly in areas north of I-70, including parts of the Baltimore metro.
The Impact of Weather on Road Conditions
The weather conditions were particularly hazardous in northern areas of Carroll, Baltimore, Harford, and Cecil counties, where the chance of a glaze of ice forming on untreated surfaces was greatest. According to WJZ’s First Alert Weather Team, the slick wintry mix of freezing rain and sleet continued to fall across parts of Maryland through the evening, making travel conditions increasingly difficult. The Maryland State Police and other emergency services were likely on high alert, responding to numerous incidents and accidents across the region. The weather was expected to move out early Saturday morning, bringing an end to the hazardous travel conditions.
Disruptions at BWI Airport
The inclement weather also caused significant disruptions at Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI). Over 150 flights were delayed, and nearly 100 flights were canceled, leaving many travelers stranded and frustrated. Travelers spent hours waiting in the airport, either waiting for their flights to depart or for their luggage to arrive. One traveler, Zack Feltz, had his flight canceled and was unable to attend the Ravens game the following day. Another traveler, Randi Burgey, experienced a particularly frustrating ordeal, being stuck on a plane when her connecting flight was canceled and then having to wait for over an hour and a half for her luggage to arrive.
Traveler Experiences and Frustrations
Burgey’s experience was a testament to the chaos and disruption caused by the weather. She was unable to get off the plane to speak with a ticket agent and was told to wait until she arrived in Baltimore. As a result, she was stuck in Baltimore until Monday, a frustrating end to what was supposed to be a smooth holiday travel experience. Burgey’s comments summed up the feelings of many travelers, who were left feeling frustrated and disappointed by the disruptions caused by the weather. The experience was a stark reminder of the importance of checking weather forecasts and flight information before traveling, especially during the winter months.
Conclusion and Aftermath
In conclusion, the winter weather that moved across Maryland on Friday caused significant disruptions and hazards across the region. The multi-vehicle crash on Maryland 140 in Carroll County was a stark reminder of the dangers of driving in icy conditions, and the disruptions at BWI Airport left many travelers frustrated and stranded. As the weather moves out early Saturday morning, travelers and residents can expect a return to normal conditions. However, the experience serves as a reminder to always be prepared for the unexpected and to check weather forecasts and travel information before embarking on a journey. By doing so, individuals can minimize the risk of disruption and ensure a safe and smooth travel experience.