Over 400 Crashes Across Maryland As First Winter Storm Arrives

Roads across much of Maryland were glazed with snow and ice mix Thursday that generated more than 700 calls to Maryland State Police, about 320 crashes were handled by trooppers by 3 p.m. as the season's first winter storm arrived. Weather conditions ranged from mostly rain in Anne Arundel County, which was under a flood watch, to predictions of 4 to 6 inches of snow in northwest Howard, northern Baltimore and northwest Montgomery counties. Those areas were under a winter storm warning until Friday morning.

"Travel could be extremely difficult," according to the winter storm warning, which was issued midday on Thursday, Nov. 15. "The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute today."

Between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Thursday, state troopers statewide had responded to 421 crashes, assisted 236 disabled vehicles and handled 1,076 calls for service.

Snow totals posted just after noon by the National Weather Service showed 6 inches in Martinsburg, 6.2 inches in Middleway, 5 inches in Cumberland, 2.8 inches in Bel Air and Montgomery Village, 2.3 at Pimlico, 2 inches in Columbia and 1.7 inches at BWI Airport.

Police departments across the region are warning residents of the poor driving conditions. Follow MD511.org for the latest road conditions across the state. Maryland State Police have declaredsnow emergency plans in Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, and Washington counties. That means no parking is allowed on snow emergency routes. If you don't have all weather tires, you need snow tires/chains.

A firetruck in Frederick County was among the morning crashes.

Interstates were blocked in areas as tractor-trailers crashed on slick roads. The Maryland State Police said problem spots as of 2:30 p.m. include:

• All lanes closed in Frederick County on I-70 E AT RIDGE RD.
• Multiple Tractor Trailers disabled on I-68 East AT MP 60; LEFT LANE CLOSED
• Multiple Tractor Trailers disabled in Allegany County on MD 36 N/S AT BARRELVILLE RD; All lanes closed.
• Multiple Tractor Trailers disabled in Allegany County on US 220 N/S AT LOUISE DR; All lanes closed in both directions.

The State Highway Administation warned drivers, "Today’s storm is a good reminder to ensure you have winter gear in your car like ice scrapers and gloves. Leaving snow and ice on your car turns snow into flying projectiles! Please make sure your car is prepared and NEVER drive with snow on your car."

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Ways To Safe On The Road

"Roads that are slick or ice-covered can create a worst-case scenario for drivers," AAA Mid-Atlantic Public and Government Affairs Manager Ragina Cooper Averella said in a statement.
To stay safe, drivers should plan ahead and give themselves extra time for the Thursday morning commute.

AAA Mid-Atlantic advises drivers to be prepared and follow these winter driving tips:

• Avoid braking and turning at the same time. Brake first, then turn, then accelerate.
• Accelerate and decelerate more slowly than you would on dry roads.
• Leave extra space between your car and the car ahead of you.
• Drive with your low-beam headlights on, even during daylight.
• Use turn signals, make sure lanes are clear before changing and leave plenty of time to stop.
• Avoid using cruise control, which can reduce traction.
• Look and steer in the direction you want the car to go if you start to skid.
• Avoid puddles when it's safe to do so.
• Wear your seat belt.
• Minimize distractions. Don't text, talk on the phone or drive under the influence.
• Do not stop going up a hill.
• Pull over to the side of the road and stop completely if you can't see.

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