Governor Hogan Provides Update on Statewide Preparations for Today’s Winter Weather Event

Per the State of Maryland:

Pretreatment of Roads Complete, Marylanders Cautioned to Avoid Travel Sunday Afternoon and Evening

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today provided an update on the winter weather that is expected to bring snowfall to much of the state this afternoon. Winter storm warnings are in effect for Western Maryland, and winter weather advisories are in effect throughout Central Maryland and parts of Southern Maryland.

The National Weather Service anticipates that initial snowfall rates could be high—as much as an inch per hour—as a rain and snow line steadily pushes from southeast to northwest. Transitions to a wintry mix are expected to occur in early evening hours for Southern Maryland and the upper Eastern Shore, and later on in the evening for Central and Western Maryland.

“Our preparations for today’s winter weather are complete, and we ask Marylanders to avoid travel if possible for the rest of the day,” said Governor Hogan. “Keeping the roads clear not only keeps you safe, it also gives crews and first responders room to carry out their duties. We will continue to monitor this winter weather closely, and provide updates as the day progresses.”

Mobilization of State Agencies: 

• The State Highway Administration (SHA) completed pretreatment of roads by Saturday morning, and will begin initiating CHART patrols today at 1 p.m. All areas have tree contractors on standby, and are prepared to deploy high water signs and perform road closures as needed. Marylanders can track SHA activity in real time here.
• The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has identified potential bus diversion routes, which will be implemented as needed. MARC is already running on the R schedule on Monday in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. MTA storm response crews will monitor all stations to clear accumulations for the safety of customers and team members.
• At Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, winter weather crews are prepared to implement de-icing protocols. Storm response equipment have been inspected and prepared, and chemical and fuel inventory have been checked. Passengers are encouraged to plan to arrive at least two hours prior to the scheduled departure time and check with their air carrier for any flight schedule updates.
• Note that Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) offices and VEIP stations are closed tomorrow in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

Visit md511.org for traffic incident updates, text ‘MdReady’—or ‘MdListo’ for Spanish texts—to 211MD1 to receive emergency alerts, and visit mdem.maryland.gov for information on storm preparedness and disaster supply kits.