A deep winter chill is approaching the Maryland area, according to the National Weather Service.

As of 2 p.m., the NWS said an arctic front was crossing the region. The front will cross the Baltimore and Washington metro areas during the
early and middle afternoon hours.

Temperatures behind the front will quickly drop about 10 degrees in less than 30 minutes and potentially cause a flash freeze of any untreated wet roads and surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, and parking lots, causing treacherous travel or walking conditions.

Along the front, snow squalls are also likely. A quick snow accumulation of less than one inch is possible, mainly on grassy surfaces as road temperatures ahead of the front are above freezing. Winds will gust up to 50 mph.

Sharply colder temperatures following the snow may cause any water or slush to freeze on untreated roads and sidewalks. Reduced speeds and distance between vehicles is advised.

Motorists should be prepared for areas of blowing snow. This could lead to temporary very low visibilities and the potential for dangerous
driving conditions.

Temperatures will be dangerously cold on Thursday morning, with a low temperature below 10 degrees.  Wind chills will likely be 10 to 20 degrees below zero.