Accumulating Snow Forecast for Much of Maryland; Drivers Urged to Curtail Travel After Snow Begins Later This Afternoon

 

(March 3, 2019) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is responding to a winter storm moving across Maryland from the west that is forecast to bring accumulating snow to much of the State. The storm will move into the metropolitan area later this afternoon, at which time drivers are encouraged to curtail all unnecessary travel. MDOT SHA has activated its emergency operations center and crews are responding as precipitation begins. Crews pretreated roadways on Friday evening to prevent the first adhesion of snow and ice to the road.

 

Snow accumulations will vary across the region, with the highest accumulations in western Maryland, through northern Carroll and Frederick counties as well as northern Harford and Cecil counties. A rain/snow line will emerge to the south, most likely just south of the I-95 corridor. Pavement temperatures are forecast to be near the freezing mark, which makes salt treatment very effective. Crews will continue operations throughout the night; early morning rush hour travel on Monday morning may be affected and motorists are urged to check travel conditions before leaving tomorrow.

 

For motorists who must travel, “Take It Slow on Ice and Snow,” and remember that speed limits are set for ideal (dry) conditions. Drivers are also reminded to not pass snow plows. The safest place to be is in the back of a snow plow or plow trains. Motorists are urged to plan plenty of additional drive time and use MDOT SHA’s STORM web application to locate where MDOT SHA and contractor vehicles have treated roads. Extra caution is urged on elevated sections of road (bridges, ramps and overpasses.)

 

Motorists are urged to monitor the forecast throughout the day and tomorrow morning and visit md511.maryland.gov for real-time travel alerts and conditions. Customers may also follow MDOT SHA on Twitter @MDSHA and “like” us on Facebook.