Winter Weather Advisory Likely for Bowie on Wednesday

Time to remember your winter driving skills Bowie: the National Weather Service may issue a Winter Weather Advisory for Prince George’s County and the Washington, D.C., area.

The advisory would apply Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the anticipation of snow accumulations 2 to 5 inches in the far northern and western suburbs of Washington and Baltimore. A coating up to an inch is expected near Interstate 95.

If you travel during the Thanksgiving weekend here are some safety tips:

Remember to Winterize your Vehicle and stock it with Emergency Supplies:

· Check brakes, batteries and ignition systems.

· Ensure that your heater and defrost work properly

· Check oil, antifreeze levels and all fluids.

· Test windshield wipers

· Check lights and flashing hazards

· Consider snow tires or chains

· Maintain a full tank of gas

· Carry a winter storm survival kit:

o Blanket

o Flashlights (batteries)

o First-aid Kit

o Extra clothing

o Non - perishable foods/water

o Shovel/sand

o Jumper cables, tow rope, tools

o Trash bags, paper towels

Practice Safe Driving:

· Monitor roadways and weather conditions before your trip by listening to travel radio stations or by dialing 511 for information about traffic or roadways in Maryland.

· Allow extra travel time and drive defensively. (Precipitation on roadways may present additional challenges)

· Eliminate driving distractions, by avoiding the use of mobile devices.

· Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained

· Monitor your speed and consider taking a slower approach during inclement weather or heavy traffic.

· Remember to slow down or move over for public safety vehicles and emergency equipment

Prince George’s County residents can stay Informed of weather changes by signing up for Notify Me Prince George’s. The Office of Emergency Management will also keep you updated through Facebook, and Twitter accounts. Emergency notifications from neighboring jurisdictions around the Washington DC Metropolitan region can be found by visiting Capitalert.gov.

Prince George’s County residents are also reminded to use Prince George’s County’s CountyClick 311 system to obtain information about public services and to call 911 only in cases of emergency.