Winter storm brings heavy snow, ice, and dangerous travel to Maryland

Maryland is under Winter Storm Warnings as heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain hit the state Saturday through Monday, with 4 to 8 inches of snow and up to half an inch of ice expected in some areas.

What’s Happening: Two Winter Storm Warnings cover different parts of Maryland. The first affects Dorchester County and runs from 1 p.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Monday. The second covers Wicomico, Somerset, Inland Worcester, and Maryland Beaches and runs from 1 p.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Sunday.

What’s Important: Snow and sleet will pile up Saturday evening and overnight, then change to freezing rain during the day Sunday. Dorchester County could see ice accumulations up to half an inch Sunday into Sunday night. The Eastern Shore counties will see 4 to 6 inches of snow and sleet with a glaze of ice possible.

How This Affects Real People: Travel could become nearly impossible. Widespread power outages and tree damage are expected due to ice, especially in Dorchester County. Increasing winds Monday could cause additional tree damage and power outages. Power outages could last several days along with extreme cold. Anyone who must travel should keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicle.

What Changed: Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Emergency and requested an Emergency Declaration from the federal government. The State Emergency Operations Center is staffed throughout the weekend, and the State Emergency Activation Level increased Saturday.

State Response: The Maryland Department of Transportation activated the State Highway Administration Emergency Operations Center on Saturday. Crews completed brining operations by Friday. The Maryland Transportation Authority temporarily closed the I-95 Express Toll Lanes in Baltimore on Saturday to prioritize snow removal.

The Maryland State Police increased staffing across the state. The Maryland National Guard mobilized more than 100 personnel with 10 Light Medium Tactical Vehicles and 32 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles positioned throughout Maryland.

Power and Utilities: The Public Service Commission is coordinating utilities on storm preparedness and outage response. Utilities plan to fully staff line and field crews, bring in contractors, and maximize customer service staffing.

Crews will work around the clock until all customers are restored, with priority given to public safety facilities, emergency services, and infrastructure serving large numbers of customers.

Health Services: The Maryland Department of Health is coordinating the state’s public health and medical response. The Maryland Department of Disabilities will activate the disability hotline Sunday through Monday for resources, referrals, and expertise for people with disabilities. The hotline is not for emergency services.

Safety: Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.

Generators should be at least 20 feet away from the home and away from windows, doors, and vents. Watch for symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.

What to Do: Stay informed by checking weather updates from official sources. Have an emergency kit ready and a family emergency plan in place. Keep devices charged in case of power outages. Check with local authorities for information about public evacuation shelters. Call 511 for road information.