Snow Emergency Declared for Maryland Highways

A snow emergency plan will take effect for all Maryland counties at noon on Friday, Jan. 22, according to an announcement from Maryland State Police and the State Highway Administration.

In a snow emergency, state police may immediately authorize the towing of vehicles parked on snow emergency routes as well as those left in roads or on shoulders.

Also under a snow emergency plan, vehicles must be equipped with snow tires (all-weather tires are fine), chains or all-season radials to be allowed to drive on Maryland highways.

“Implementing the snow emergency plans in every county is an indication of the serious nature of this storm and the statewide impact it will have,” Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel William Pallozzi said in a statement.

Usually snow emergencies are issued by county; however, the entire state is expected to be impacted by the snowstorm this weekend.

Highway officials reported that if the forecast of two feet of snow materializes, it may take several days into early next week for cleanup.

“We are asking motorists to avoid travel during the storm and allow our crews the space needed to plow the roads,” State Highway Administrator Gregory Johnson said in a statement.

“Heavy snow and 40-50 mph winds are life threatening and we can’t stress enough that no one should choose to go out during the storm,“ Johnson said. “Our goal will be to keep one lane open and passable for emergency vehicles.”

If driving around a snow plow, be sure to give it plenty of room, and do not tailgate or drive right next to it.

Long haulers looking to avoid driving during the storm are welcome at Maryland’s ridesharing lots.