Ice Storm and Winter Weather in Maryland, December 13 to 14, 2000

A strong cold front brought chilly air into the region on the 12th. By the afternoon of the 13th, an upper level disturbance brought warm air into the mid levels of the atmosphere and caused snow that fell from the system to melt to rain on its way down. When the rain hit the ground where temperatures were below freezing, ice accumulated. From Carroll and Montgomery Counties westward, the ice accumulated to between one quarter and one half inch. The wight of the ice brought down some trees, branches, telephone lines, and power lines. A few road were also closed by downed trees. At least 26,000 Central Maryland customers lost power as a direct result of the storm. Roads were turned into sheets of ice and several traffic accidents were reported. East of this area temperatures remained close to the freezing mark so ice accumulations were less than one quarter of an inch and only caused minor inconveniences. Because of slightly cooler air, Allegany County received mainly sleet and light snow with very little ice.