SHA crews Work to Open Pipes, Drains and Inlets; More than Two Feet of Snow Remain on the Ground in Western Allegany and Garrett Counties

(March 11, 2010) – As if three massive snowstorms this winter just wasn’t enough, Mother Nature appears insistent on bringing another round of challenges this weekend: heavy rains and possible flooding.

More than two feet of snow remains on the ground in western Allegany and Garrett counties, in addition to saturated ground across the entire state. SHA crews are proactively working to clear all SHA maintained drainage facilities including inlets, pipes and culverts. While most of the snow has melted across the State east of Hagerstown, the recent steady, slow snow-melt has saturated the ground, leaving any significant rainfall with little place to go.

SHA crews will be ready this weekend to assist with “High Water” signs, detours, chain saws for any downed trees and other storm-related emergencies. Motorists in low-lying areas prone to flooding should expect flooding and remember to NEVER drive through standing water. It is virtually impossible to determine the depth of standing water and only a few inches of water can sweep a car into a ditch or other impassable area.

For more information about any weather related road closures, live traffic cameras, and incident information, you can log onto www.roads.maryland.gov and click on the live traffic information link.