(January 21, 2014, 11:30 a.m.) – The heaviest snow of the season so far threatens to create hazardous road conditions throughout Maryland. State Highway Administration (SHA) crews and contractors will plow during the storm, working to keep roads passable for emergency vehicles.  However blowing snow can change a road from passable to covered in the blink of an eye. Scenes from the statewide live traffic camera network show the accumulating snow is steadily moving into the eastern portion of the state.

Forecasts predict temperatures will drastically fall this afternoon, causing possible problems with road icing. Winds will also become gusty, especially along and southeast of the I-95 corridor, with gusts of 35-45 mph developing tomorrow afternoon. Elsewhere, gusts should be in the 20-30 mph range. This will be enough to cause some blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility.  Anyone on the roads should use low beam headlights – wipers on, lights on, it’s the law.

“Please heed the warnings to stay off the roads this afternoon – it will not be safe to be out later today in heavy, blowing snow with frigid temperatures,” cautioned SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “SHA crews will continue to plow and battle Mother Nature; however, it will take four to six hours to reach bare pavement after precipitation stops, which isn’t predicted to happen until late tonight.”

Snow emergency plans are in effect in central and western counties, with more counties expected to declare emergency status this afternoon as the storm moves east. Truck drivers should avoid traveling and can access emergency parking at park and ride locations. Those locations can be found on SHA’s website at www.roads.maryland.gov by clicking the “emergency truck parking” icon and using the interactive map to find safe refuge until after the storm stops.

With several inches or more of snow accumulations expected, roads crews will lower blades on trucks to plow snow. Those who are out on the roads will encounter “plow trains” where trucks line up in each lane and clear snow left to right. Under no circumstances should drivers try to cut through or go around a plow train. SHA crews are also using special tow plows and double wing plows in the western area to clear more snow at a time. Drivers are reminded to give plows a wide berth on all sides – don’t crowd the plow!

Once conditions improve, those traveling to the airports, train stations or bus terminals, can Know Before You Go! by dialing 511 for traffic, weather alerts and road conditions. Visit www.MD511.org or www.chart.md.gov to view live traffic cameras and maps.  Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and log onto www.roads.maryland.gov to get more tips for safe winter weather driving.