Maryland Weather: Road Conditions, School Closings, New Forecast, Light Rail Problems

(Updated at 5:20 p.m. Tuesday) As a late winter storm covered Maryland Tuesday, it left behind a mix of snow and sleet, slippery roads and canceled schools. Forecasters with the National Weather Service said late Tuesday morning that precipitation is switching to a mix, then will change back to mostly snow before ending in the early evening.

About 46,000 power outages were reported statewide as of 10 a.m. Tuesday, and Maryland remains under a state of emergency signed Monday night by Gov. Larry Hogan. The governor continues to ask Marylanders to stay off the roads while crews work to clear streets and highways. Some Maryland National Guard members have been activated to monitor and provide assistance as needed based on requests.

State and local police departments have responded to an estimated 212 crashes, disabled vehicles and other problems along state highways and interstates in Maryland since 8 p.m. Monday, authorities said.

Most flights at BWI Airport were canceled for the morning; activity should increase this afternoon, but no Southwest Airlines flights are scheduled Tuesday.

Parts of Baltimore, Montgomery, Howard and Harford counties are under a winter weather advisory until 2 p.m. Tuesday with sleet and freezing rain changing to snow. Total freezing rain accumulations of around one-tenth to two-tenths of an inch of ice is expected. Total snow and sleet accumulation of 2 to 4 inches is predicted in those areas.

Portions of Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties are under a winter weather advisory until 2 p.m. Tuesday as snow is likely to wrap up by early afternoon.

Road-clearing statewide

State Highway Administration and Maryland Transportation Authority workers and contractors had a total of 2,646 pieces of equipment out to clear highways Tuesday. SHA asks drivers to completely clear cars of snow and ice and to make sure tailpipes are not clogged with snow.

“As temperatures drop later tonight even treated roads may be icy and slippery, so travelers should remain alert and reduce speeds,” said SHA Administrator Greg Slater on Tuesday afternoon. “While our crews will remain out tonight, the best advice is to get to your destination and stay.”

Frozen precipitation has caused power outages affecting traffic signals in many areas. Drivers are reminded to treat non-working signals as a four-way stop. Emergency traffic patrols continue to monitor Maryland interstates and major routes. The Wednesday morning commute should be relatively routine, but drivers should plan ahead and allow extra time, the SHA says.

Bay Bridge wind restrictions

The Maryland Transportation Authority has enacted limited wind restrictions at the Bay Bridge. Strong winds remain in the forecast, making additional warnings/restrictions likely as the storm passes.

House trailers, empty box trailers or any vehicle that, in the opinion of law-enforcement personnel, may not safely cross the bridge will be prohibited from traveling the bridge. Motorists who are denied passage will be assisted with safely turning around.

Maryland rail, bus service

The MTA is preparing for a return to regular service on Wednesday after limited service and icing on rail lines Tuesday. All three lines on the MARC Train, Commuter Bus and Metro Subway are expected to be operating at full capacity. MTA Local Bus will operate with some street diversions to avoid steep hills and sharp turns on roadways.

MTA will start all Mobility/Paratransit service Wednesday at 6 a.m., but for the safety of drivers and customers, Mobility service will be provided only where snow and ice have been removed from sidewalks and stairways in front of customer’s homes.

MTA Light Rail will start service at 7 a.m. and will run 15 minute headways as opposed to the normal 10 or 5 minute intervals at most stops during peak periods.

BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport

• BWI’s snow team continues working to clear the airfield for airline operations, along with public roadways and parking lots.
• A small number of flights are operating this morning, but the majority of flights were cancelled by the airlines. Some airline activity is expected to increase throughout the day, however no Southwest Airlines flights are scheduled to operate for the majority of the day.
• Only the C and D/E TSA security checkpoints will be open early Tuesday, (A and B to remain closed).

Port of Baltimore

• Port operations personnel are working 12-hour around-the-clock shifts on snow removal. The emphasis is on clearing the cargo terminals.
• The Port of Baltimore is actively working ships.

Motor Vehicle Administration

• The following MVA branch offices will be open for limited services today: Largo, Beltsville, Easton, Waldorf, Loveville, Salisbury. Driver skills tests may be impacted and customers who want to reschedule will be accommodated at a time of their convenience.
• The following VEIP Stations are open: Clinton, Glen Ardennes, Grasonville, Waldorf, Prince Frederick
• The MVA Call Center is closed.
• Remember, many MVA services are offered online and can be accessed at your convenience. Please check www.mva.maryland.gov for further updates.

SEE ALSO:

• Anne Arundel County Schools Make March 15 Weather Decision
• Baltimore County School Closings For March 14 Snowstorm
• Harford County School Closings For March 14 Snowstorm
• Howard County School Closings For March 14 Snowstorm
• Anne Arundel County Schools Make March 14 Weather Decision
• Montgomery County Schools Make March 14 Weather Decision
• Prince George's County Closings For March 14 Snowstorm
  

Officials have warned residents that ice- or snow-coated power lines could break. Anyone who comes across a downed line should treat is as live and call 911.

Important Maryland Utility Numbers Include:

• PEPCO: 1-877-737-2662
• Baltimore Gas and Electric (BG&E): 1-877-778-2222 or 1-800-685-0123
• First Energy/Potomac Edison: 1-888-544-4877
• SMECO: 1-877-747-6326 or 1-888-440-3311
• Washington Gas: 1-800-752-7520
• Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission: 1-800-828-4002

»Photo courtesy of Maryland SHA