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(January 23, 2015) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is warning motorists that travelling, starting late Friday and continuing into early Saturday, may be extremely hazardous. A storm system is moving toward the State and precipitation could include, snow, sleet and/or freezing rain from late this afternoon through mid-day Saturday. A second system is predicted to follow closely behind and could affect the region Sunday into Monday.
“Once again we’re faced with predictions of a wintry weather mix at rush hour, both today and possibly again next Monday. We cannot stress enough – a single degree can make all the difference between wet, slushy, slippery or icy roads,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “Our crews will be prepared with salt, plows and chainsaws in case of fallen trees. We hope that you will be prepared as well, by delaying or cancelling your trip if we are experiencing ice or snow. The fewer vehicles on the roads make it easier for salt and plow trucks to do their jobs for you. It’s always best to plan ahead, keep an eye on the forecast and adjust driving schedules.”
Different forecasters are predicting different scenarios for these storms, but regardless of when they come or how much and what type of precipitation they bring, SHA is ready to make state roads safe for travel.
If snowfall totals approach the six inch mark, SHA will offer refuge for truckers at selected park and ride facilities across Maryland.
Click here for a list of selected park and rides for truckers. SHA will also station heavy duty tow trucks at strategic locations where trucks often become disabled during winter weather.
SHA’s emergency operations will be activated at the 24-hour Statewide Operations Center which serves as the storm command post.
Travelers may obtain the latest free traffic and weather information by calling 5-1-1 from a landline or a hands-free mobile device or logging onto
www.MD511.org. Maryland’s 511 service now offers free text and email alerts for most frequented routes through 511Direct – simply register and set your routes and preferences on-line.
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