Harford County Declares Snow Emergency

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Buckle up, Harford County. State highway crews have pre-treated highways and bridges in the northern Maryland counties for snow, high winds and flooding. Up to 20 inches of snow may fall in higher elevations, weather officials say.

There were 3.3 inches of snow measured in Bel Air and 4 inches in Scarboro, according to preliminary data provided to the National Weather Service by approximately 11:30 p.m.

About 10 to 16 inches of snow are expected in Harford County by 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

A snow emergency plan took effect in Harford County as of 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, meaning people may not park on roads designated as snow emergency routes.

SEE ALSO: Closings For Wednesday, March 21, In Harford County

County Executive Barry Glassman said weather officials told him on Tuesday that Harford County could see a lull from 6 to 8 p.m. followed by heavy snow after midnight that could stack up to 8 to 12 inches. A thin layer of ice was also possible from a snow-sleet mix.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning from 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, to 8 p.m. on Wednesday March 21. A thin layer of ice overnight may form with up to an inch of sleet/snow. Officials say 10 to 16 inches of snow are expected, with up to 20 inches in higher elevations in north-central Maryland.

A winter storm warning means travel will be dangerous due to weather conditions. If you must travel, take a flashlight, blanket, food and water in your vehicle.

"Snow, sleet, and freezing rain falling this evening and overnight could make road conditions treacherousthroughout the state," Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement Tuesday night. "I strongly urge all Marylanders to use common sense, take extreme caution, and avoid travel if possible. Keep a close eye on your local weather forecast, and check on family, friends, and neighbors and make sure they are safe throughout this late-season storm."

See the latest Bel Air forecast from the National Weather Service.

The Maryland State Highway Administration reported Monday that it has treated roads and bridges, cleared storm drains of debris and prepped chainsaws, chippers, generators and "road closed" signs in the event of storm damage.

If traffic signals are out, drivers are reminded they are required by law to treat them as four-way stops or stop signs.

AAA offers the following tips for driving on snowy or icy roads:

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly; it takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Turn the steering wheel in the direction your wheels are going if you start to skid. Do not hit brakes or gas.
• Increase following distance.
• Use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don't stop if you can help it. Slow down enough to stay moving until a traffic light changes.
• Don't speed up or stop going uphill. Try to get momentum going on a flat surface before you reach a hill and let inertia carry you to the top. At the crest of the hill, reduce your speed. Proceed as slowly as possible.

Graphic by National Weather Service.