Baltimore County Snow Guide: Advisories, Closings, Traffic

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — A winter weather advisory is in effect for Baltimore County and surrounding areas until 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15. Here's what you need to know about the current conditions.

Closings/Cancellations

Baltimore County Public Schools will close two hours early on Friday. After-school and evening activities are canceled.

McDonogh School is closed on Friday.

Baltimore County Police Department's basketball clinic Friday at Dumbarton Middle School is canceled.

Baltimore County Police Department's Shop with a Cop has been canceled for Saturday.

Weather Forecast

A winter weather advisory is in effect from 1 to 7 p.m. calling for 1 to 2 inches of snow and slippery roads.

Officials with Baltimore County government advised the snowfall started around 1 p.m.

Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's counties as well as the District of Columbia and Baltimore City are under the winter weather advisory.

Monitor the National Weather Service's social media feeds for updates.

How will this affect traffic?

Since the snow is falling during the Friday afternoon rush hour, allow for extra time on your travels.

“This storm is forecast to arrive at the worst possible time – the Friday afternoon rush hour when hundreds of thousands of motorists will be on the road,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Gregory Slater. "Pavement temperatures are expected to rise to slightly above freezing in many central Maryland locations, but after sunset, conditions could worsen as the temperatures will drop below freezing."

AAA offers the following tips for driving in the snow:

Who removes the snow in Baltimore County?

Baltimore County public works crews clear snow from 2,700 miles of roadways.

When will my street be plowed?

When less than 6 inches of snow is expected, the county advises it will be plowed within 24 hours of the last snowfall. If there is more than 6 inches, it will be plowed within 48 hours of the last snowfall.

Traffic tip: Give snow plows room to work and do not try to pass a plow train.

Streets are cleared in the following order: Main arteries, feeder roads, community streets.

• Main arteries: Joppa Road, Owings Mills Boulevard
• Feeder roads: Goucher Boulevard, Lyons Mill Road
• Community streets: Courts and cul-de-sacs

Alleys or private roads are not plowed by the county. Check the Baltimore County stormfighter page to check on plowing priorities.

Also check Baltimore County's list of road closures due to repairs, accidents, weather or other hazards.

How can residents help?

• Clear ice, snow and leaves from around fire hydrants and storm drains.
• Do not shovel snow from your property onto the sidewalk or street.
• Park your car off the street wherever possible.
• Report potholes to Baltimore County.
• Check on neighbors needing assistance.

Need tips for shoveling?

• Shovel early and often. Newly fallen snow is lighter than heavily packed or partially melted snow. It is also important to keep a path to your door in case you need to leave in an emergency.
• Push the snow instead of lifting it. Keep the shovel close to your body, and space your hands to increase leverage. If you must lift snow, lift properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift with your legs; do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it.
• Do not throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side. This action requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.
• Do not work to the point of exhaustion.
• Don't pick up that shovel without a doctor's permission if you have a history of heart disease. If you feel tightness in the chest or dizziness, stop immediately.
• Do not let a hat or scarf block your vision. Watch out for ice patches and uneven surfaces. Avoid falls by wearing shoes/boots that have slip-resistant soles.
• Snow is a powerful light reflector on sunny days. Wear sunglasses to prevent "snow blindness."
• Pace yourself. Shoveling snow is an aerobic activity, comparable to weightlifting. Take frequent breaks from the cold and the effort, and replenish fluids to prevent dehydration.

Where to find snow closings and cancellations?
Government closings and cancellations are communicated on the Baltimore County website and social media, including on Facebook and Twitter. School closing announcements due to inclement weather are available from Baltimore County Public Schools.

Image via CHART traffic camera on I-83 at York Road at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15.