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Maryland Blizzard Update: Schools and Airports Closed, 30-Inch Snowfall Totals

Snowfalls from 17 to 33 inches covered Maryland by Sunday; two snow shoveling deaths reported; crews battle winds to clear highways.

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Most of Maryland was buried under two feet of snow by the time the skies cleared Sunday -- Germantown led snow totals with 33 inches -- and many school districts have canceled classes on Monday.

Road crews are finding it slow going as they plow highways and major thoroughfares, only to have the wind blow them shut again. Some cities have lifted their driving bans, including Annapolis, but officials urge residents to stay home so plows can make some headway.

Snow totals ranged from a whopping 33 inches in Germantown and 31 inches in Bel Air, to a tiny (by comparison) 19 inches in College Park and a mere 17 inches in the Riva area south of Edgewater.

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Gov. Larry Hogan ordered all Maryland state government offices to remain closed on Monday; only emergency essential personnel should report to work.

“I want to thank the citizens of Maryland for heeding our call to be patient and to be safe by staying off the roads. I must ask that Marylanders continue to be patient as the cleanup and recovery continues,” Hogan said Sunday. “Tomorrow morning conditions will be icy and dangerous. By closing state offices tomorrow, crews can carry on with their work to clear state roads.”

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United Airlines warned customers that it will be Monday before any of its flights try to make it out of Dulles, Reagan National or Baltimore-Washington airports. BWI measured its snowfall at 29.2 inches.

The heavy snow began to take a toll on roofs, with a condo in Gaithersburg, barn near Poolesville and Safeway store in Bel Air all seeing roofs buckle under the burden. Nobody was injured in the grocery store incident, where the roof buckled from the front to the rear but did not fall into the store.

As residents shovel to keep ahead of the storm, experts are warning people over age 50 and anyone with heart problems to leave the snow clearing to someone else. A Fort Washington resident died Saturday from snow shoveling, emergency officials said, while five people had heart attacks in Harford County.

Residents seem to have escaped widespread power outages, but keep these links to the power company that serves your area.

The National Weather Service forecast shows relief in sight. Most areas will see a high around 35 on Monday, with temperatures warming into the low 40s on Tuesday.

Maryland officials on Sunday continue to ask residents to stay home while the storm passes. The Maryland Transit Administration has suspended all of its services this weekend because of weather.

“For at least 48 hours, there will be no MTA service on the street—all day Saturday and all day Sunday,” MTA Administrator Paul Comfort said.

Gov. Larry Hogan said the state will seek federal disaster relief to help recoup the recovery costs of Maryland’s biggest ever snowfall.

At a Sunday press conference, State Highways Director Gregory C. Johnson said he expects crews to have interstates and other main highways cleared of snow by Monday morning. Seconday and local roads will still be covered by snow.

Snowstom Tips

Power Outages: Power companies are warning residents to prepare for outages as the snow and high winds move into the area. An emergency preparedness kit should include flashlights, water, medicines, portable radios, extra batteries and non-perishable goods. >>>Maryland Power Companies Prepare for Snowstorm

Driving: Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Clear snow off of the car before driving. Make sure you have your ice scraper, snow brush, flares or emergency lights and thermal blankets. >>> Winter Driving Safety Tips

Shopping: Essentials for your last-minute shopping trip include fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and juices that don’t require refrigeration. Focus on non-perishables and prepare for some time when you are unable to leave your home. >>> Snow Storm Prep: Grocery Store Survival List

State of Emergency: Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has declared a state of emergency as state agencies and local governments prepare for the snowstorm. The state of emergency will go into effect at 7 a.m. Friday. Hogan asked residents be prepared and patient, and requested they stay off the roads if possible. >>> State of Emergency as Blizzard Aims for Maryland

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