Columbia Snow: Plowing, Pictures, Updates

COLUMBIA, MD — During Wednesday's snowfall, Columbia had reports of up to 7.2 inches of snow, based on preliminary data submitted to the National Weather Service. The most in the state was in Frederick, which had more than 16 inches.

As snow made roads challenging or impassable, Howard County officials said that they received reports of abandoned vehicles blocking roads or vehicles that were stuck, especially on US 40 between US 29 and Normandy.

Troopers handled 570 crashes and 322 disabled vehicle calls statewide between 8 a.m. on Tuesday and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, according to Maryland State Police.

Howard County lifted its snow emergency plan as of 7 a.m. on Thursday, meaning now people can park along designated snow routes.

Schools are canceled on Thursday in Howard County, and the county government is on liberal leave.

Curbside collections will resume Thursday on a slide schedule, meaning pickup will occur one day later than usual. Collections take place from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and people must have cleared receptacles of snow and ice.

It takes about 12 to 15 hours after the storm ends for county crews to clear the roads, according to officials. Howard County government personnel reported that crews set out around 2 p.m. on Wednesday to begin clearing after the heavy snow had stopped.

As far as priorities, the county first plows primary and secondary roads, then moves on to residential roads. In all, Howard County handles snow removal on 3,602 roads.

Residents are required to clear sidewalks within 48 hours of the snow event, based on county code.

Here are snow totals from Howard County:

• Oella 7.5 inches at 7:30 p.m.
• Columbia 7.2 inches at 5:30 p.m.
• Columbia 7 inches at 12:45 p.m.
• Savage 6.5 inches at 1:05 p.m.
• Savage 5.9 inches at 1:10 p.m.
• Scaggsville 5.5 inches at 3:30 p.m.
• Columbia 5 inches at 6:48 p.m.

Main photo taken before the storm in Longfellow by Tom Lorsung.

SEE ALSO: Maryland Snow Totals From Spring Nor'Easter