Bowie Ready for Blizzard of 2016: Plowing, Closings and More

BOWIE, MD — Bowie and Prince George’s County are under a blizzard warning Friday afternoon through Sunday morning, with the potential for 30 inches of snow in the area.

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City of Bowie Details

Most City of Bowie facilities will be open and services available until 2 p.m. Friday. The Bowie Senior Center will have limited programming and transportation will be provided during the morning hours ONLY for medical appointments that have been pre-scheduled.

These city facilities will close at 2 p.m. Friday and remain closed until at least Monday, Jan. 25.

• Senior Center
• Gymnasium
• Ice Arena
• All Historic Properties (Mansion, RR Museum, Stable, Welcome Center)
• Kenhill Center
• Bowie Playhouse
• All Athletic Fields and Parks

Also, Bowie Animal Control and Code Officers will not be available during the storm. Emergency calls related to Animal Control issues should be directed to the Prince George’s County Animal Management staff at 301-780-7200.

MORE ON PATCH:

• Ways to Avoid Injury When Shoveling Snow
• Hour By Hour Snow Timeline for Prince George’s County
• Snow Emergency Declared for Maryland Highways
• Maryland Power Companies Prepare for Snowstorm
• Maryland Blizzard Latest: Prep Tips, Timeline, Accumulation
• How to Prepare Your Car for Snowstorm
• Snow Storm Prep: Grocery Store Survival List
• How to Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing As Temps Drop

Snow Clearing: Bowie crews, with the help of contractors, will plow the 190 miles of city streets. City officials say the first priority for plowing crews will be to keep main roads passable, then focus on neighborhood streets, beginning with hills and collector roads, and then side streets.

This is likely to take at least 24 hours after the snow fall ends, and depending on the severity of the storm, may take more than 48 hours to complete.

At its height, the storm is predicted to drop over 2 inches per hour, so residents are asked to be patient as crews make their way through the neighborhoods. You can help our plowing crews by moving your car from the street and into your driveway or on the grass before the storm begins and by staying off the roads, unless absolutely necessary, once conditions deteriorate. Help the Fire Department by digging out fire hydrants that may be near your home.

Bowie Police: City Hall will be staffed around the clock throughout this snow emergency. If you need to report downed trees blocking roads or other hazardous conditions, call 301-262-6200. Bowie Police may need to take some reports for minor problems by telephone rather than in person.

Storm Prep: Make sure to charge medical devices and cell phones. Have flashlights, a portable radio, and fresh batteries on hand, as well as food that does not need to be cooked. Print out our preparedness guide.

Road and Storm Updates: Updates on road conditions, plowing operations, and other public safety information will be shared via Alert Bowie and may also be obtained by calling 301-262-6200 for a recorded message. Updates will also be posted on Facebook (www.facebook.com/bowiemd), Twitter (@CityofBowie), the City website.