Annapolis Winter Storm: Sleet To Make Friday Morning Commute Icy

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Annapolis city crews will start treating streets with salt at 4 a.m. Friday if sleet arrives for the Friday, March 1, commute. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the Annapolis area from 10 p.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Friday. A mix of snow, sleet or freezing rain are possible, with 2 to 4 inches of snow predicted in the greater Baltimore region.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools have made no changes to Friday's schedule. Information about snow removal efforts and what residents can expect is available on the county's Snow Information webpage: http://www.aacounty.org/snow.

For Annapolis plowing information, visit the City's Public Work's Snow Information page online. This page will have information on Snow Emergency Routes, Snow Connector Routes and the City's Snow Plan.

The National Weather Service says Annapolis should see a mix of snow and sleet between 1:30 and 3:30 a.m. on March 1, turning to sleet around 6:30 a.m. Temperatures will hover around freezing. By afternoon, the winter storm will likely change over to rain.

City of Annapolis Public Works Department crews will be on the job starting at 4 a.m. on Friday, according to a news release, with additional crews reporting at 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. Friday. The crews will begin treating city streets at 4 a.m., if needed. Public Works has more than 600 tons of salt in stock.

Public Works and Transit: At this time, Friday’s regularly scheduled refuse and recycling collection currently is still scheduled. The City’s Transit schedule also is currently on schedule.

Recreation and Parks: The "Pip" Moyer Recreation Center will follow weather emergency plans issued by the City of Annapolis. For example, if the city is closed for snow, then the Annapolis Recreation and Parks facilities are closed. If there is a delayed opening or an early closing issued by the city, the facilities will also follow that schedule. For more information, visit the Department's Cancellations and Inclement Weather page.

Stay Informed:

• Download the “Prepare Me Annapolis” mobile app to receive important push notifications on your smartphone. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices.
• Sign up for Alert Annapolis, the new Annapolis community notification system. Receive voicemails, text messages, and/or e-mails in case of emergencies and other events. Find out more at http://alertannapolis.civicready.com/
• Connect with the City on social media:
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityOfAnnapolis
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/cityofannapolis

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Track Anne Arundel Snowplows

Anne Arundel County snowplows are now trackable during snowstorms. The county's Department of Public Works recently launched a tracking system that allows residents to track snow and ice removal efforts online. All county and contractor snow removal vehicles are equipped with an automated vehicle location system that will be monitored by county officials during weather events at https://511portal.com/annearundel.

The tracking system will automatically determine and transmit the location of snow removal vehicles. Anne Arundel County has more than 250 contracted plow trucks supplementing 74 county plows available for snow or ice events. Public works officials use the new system to monitor road conditions and to review data on the effectiveness of their plowing strategy during challenging weather conditions. The information will be posted to the public tracking progress of roads plowed

County resident may call 410-222-4040 for county road snow removal questions, or may make a "Snow Level of Service Inquiry" at www.aacounty.org/snow. A request for service may be made by telephone or online if the county has not met a published level of service for your type of street.

For help with county-maintained roads and storm drains, contact District Road Operations at:

• Northern District: (410) 222-6120
• Central District: (410) 222-7940
• Southern District: (410) 222-1933

Maintenance of roads that include highway number is the responsibility of the State Highway Administration. For issues about a state road contact the State Highway Administration at 410-841-1002.

Who oversees snow responses in Annapolis?

The Annapolis Office of Emergency Management has a Special Assistance Roster for individuals who have special needs and may need immediate assistance during storms. To register for special assistance roster call the Office of Emergency Management at 410-216-9167. Keep an eye out for those in your neighborhood who may be elderly, disabled or who may need special assistance.

Who clears sidewalks?

City Code Section 14.24.010 requires the abutting property owner to clear the public sidewalk of snow and ice within 3 hours after the snow or sleet has stopped. The exception is when the snow or sleet stopped falling between 3 p.m. and 6 a.m., then the snow/ice must be removed from the walk before 11 a.m.

Violation of this code requirement is subject to a $25 fine. City officials ask residents to help any neighbors who may be physically or otherwise unable to clear sidewalks. (Never use fertilizer to melt ice and snow; the nitrogen and phosphorus in fertilizer can harm your local streams, groundwater and the Chesapeake Bay, the city website says.)

Also, uncover and clear area around fire hydrants and storm drain inlets. While it helps identify hydrants for firefighters, it can also help you guard against flooding. If the snow melts and can't flow away, it could cause street icing and basement flooding.

Be Prepared: Due to forecasted conditions and the possibility of power outages, the Office of Emergency Management urges residents to have these supplies on hand to last for three days:

• Water (one gallon, per person, per day - more if needed for cleaning, showering)
• Non-perishable food items
• Medication
• Flashlights, no candles
• Battery-powered radios
• Extra batteries
• Cash
• Blankets
• Personal Identification

Stay Informed:

• Download the "Prepare Me Annapolis" mobile app to receive important push notifications on your smartphone. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices.
• Sign up for Alert Annapolis, the new Annapolis community notification system. Receive voicemails, text messages, and/or e-mails in case of emergencies and other events. Find out more at http://alertannapolis.civicready.com/
• Connect with the City on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityOfAnnapolis

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/cityofannapolis

Any power outages should be reported to BGE at 1-877-778-2222. Please use caution when operating generators. Generators should be operated outdoors in an area with ample ventilation.

Tips for safe snow 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 cancelations?

The Mayor's Office will be responsible for communicating information to media outlets before, during and after any anticipated Snow Emergency. Information regarding winter weather events may be found on the City's website, www.annapolis.gov.
City telephone numbers:

• Mayor's Office: 410.263.7954
• Public Information Officer: 410.263.1183
• Emergency Management Office/Emergency
• Operations Center: 410.216.9167
• City of Annapolis Call Center: 410.260.2211
• Public Works Operations Center: 410.263.7967
• Police Department: 410.268.9000
• Fire Department: 410.263.7975
• Transportation Department: 410.263.7964