'Curtail All Unnecessary Travel' After Winter Storm Begins: SHA

MARYLAND — The State Highway Administration has activated its emergency operations center Sunday as a winter storm is projected to hit Maryland. Crews began treating roads on Friday night and will continue to do so through Monday morning, officials said.

Once the storm arrives, state highway officials are asking drivers to stay off the roads if they can.

"The storm will move into the metropolitan area later this afternoon, at which time drivers are encouraged to curtail all unnecessary travel," the State Highway Administration said in a statement early Sunday afternoon.

The National Weather Service has posted winter storm warnings, winter weather advisories and hazardous weather outlooks around the state, with up to 8 inches of snow expected in Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties and up to 7 inches possible in Baltimore, Cecil and Harford counties.

Authorities said a rain/snow line may develop south of the Interstate 95 corridor that could add to the slickness of area roads.

To prevent snow and ice from sticking, crews began pre-treating roads on Friday night, officials reported.

During the storm, officials say pavement temperatures are expected to be around freezing, a condition under which salt will be effective. Bridges, ramps and overpasses freeze first, so drivers should use caution in these areas in particular.

Drivers should also be careful not to pass snow plows.

"The safest place to be is in the back of a snow plow or plow trains," officials said.

Although crews will continue working on roads through the night, the State Highway Administration warned that the early morning commute on Monday may be affected.

Before leaving on Monday, people are encouraged to check road conditions.

Drivers can also use State Highway Administration's STORM web application to find where roads have been treated.

SEE ALSO:

• Anne Arundel Opening Warming Centers During Sleet, Snow
• Baltimore Under Winter Weather Advisory
• Baltimore County Could See Up To 7 Inches Of Snow: NWS
• Carroll County To Open Cold Weather Shelter During Winter Storm
• Winter Storm Warning Issued For Cecil County
• Harford County Under Winter Storm Warning
• Winter Storm Warning Issued For Howard County
• Special Winter Weather Statement Issued For Prince George's County