Early morning snow sticks to untreated roads in Bethesda (Photos)

A minor snowstorm that was only to be the prelude to a larger storm tonight showed surprising tenacity in Bethesda early this morning. Montgomery County did not pretreat its roads in downtown Bethesda, and the results speak for themselves. With temperatures dropping into the mid-twenties overnight, snow has stuck to hard surfaces as much as to grass. By contrast, the Maryland State Highway Administration prepared for the snow event. An SHA contractor was seen driving a full-size tanker truck labeled "BRINE" along Wisconsin Avenue early Sunday evening. As you can see here, the treatment was quite effective on Wisconsin, which has bare pavement unlike County roads right next to it. 

Precipitation and temperature forecasts have fluctuated over the weekend. The timing has changed frequently hour by hour. Google is now showing more snow possible during this evening's rush hour, rather than later tonight or early tomorrow morning. And whereas a high of 37 degrees had been forecast for this afternoon as late as Saturday night, many forecasts now show freezing temperatures instead remaining in effect throughout the day. As a result, take care on the roads today and tonight, and watch for black ice even where the roadway looks clear. Conditions are currently hazardous on many County streets, as well as on trails, paths, and sidewalks.