'Look Out For The Flash Freeze': Gov. Baker Urges Drivers To Stay Off Roads Friday

BOSTON (CBS) – Gov. Charlie Baker is urging residents to stay off the roads if possible Friday due to icy and hazardous travel conditions. All non-emergency Executive Branch state employees have been told not to report to work Friday due to the storm.

"Driving tomorrow is expected to be horrible, especially tomorrow morning, and we are asking everyone to be careful and stay off the roads if possible," Baker said Thursday. "If you have to travel, please take extra time, drive slowly and look out for the flash freeze on the roads."

The storm will bring sleet and freezing rain. Heavy rain at the start will make it challenging for crews to pre-treat roadways.

"This is generally just going to make for a horrible morning commute tomorrow," said MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.

MassDOT is preparing for a deep freeze during the morning rush - that will cover the roads and make for treacherous conditions.

"We are really worried that people are going to be deceived by seeing wet pavement only to find out that it's ice, so this is one of these scenarios where the faster you go the worse it is going to get," Gulliver said.

Dozens of school districts including Boston and Worcester have canceled classes on Friday.