Wintry mix impactsroads

BALTIMORE - A mix of snow and sleet coated roads in a slick layer Wednesday in nearly all areas in and around Baltimore County.

In Cockeysville, Sherwood Road at York Road was reportedly iced over, and vehicles were unable to get up the hill. Motorists were encouraged to find another route around the street.

In Baltimore city, officials say 475 tons of salt were used to treat 850 lane miles.

In Harford County, Rocks Spring Road was closed in the area of the detention center for wires down across the road. A plow truck reportedly took out utility lines.

Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) crews responded to the threat Wednesday morning and continued to work the issues in central and western Maryland.

"SHA crews have been out since prior to this morning's rush hour and are responding accordingly based on conditions," said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. "We ask motorists to keep their speeds down as lighter traffic can also result in increased travel speeds. Conditions can change rapidly within just a few miles and we ask motorists to exercise extreme caution today."

Motorists traveling toward Western Maryland and points further west were told to expect higher amount of snow and to plan accordingly, leaving plenty of extra time and making sure to have a full tank of gas as conditions will be much worse as you travel north or west.

What to do if your car gets stuck

If your vehicle does become disabled, make every effort to move it from the travel lane and onto the shoulder.  Stay tuned to ABC2 News for more information.  Don't forget - Never pass a snow plow or snow plow train.  The safest place to be is safely behind the plows, which are clearing the roads ahead.

Motorists should always have an emergency survival kit to include:

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

In addition to roads becoming difficult to travel, the wintry mix resulted in the closure of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.

Check back with ABC2 News as we continue to follow this story.