HdG Snowfall Guide: Snow Removal, Traffic Updates

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — Wow, that escalated quickly. What weather forecasters predicted would only be a slight chance for a few snowflakes on Saturday morning has turned into a forecast of up to four inches for our area and a winter weather advisory. Here's what you need to know about snow in Havre de Grace. Add your own tips in the comments.

Who removes the snow in Havre de Grace?

Havre de Grace public works crews handle city plowing. To report problems on city-owned streets in Havre de Grace, call 410-939-1800, extension 1130.

Harford County maintains more than 1,067 miles of roadway. That excludes state highways and city streets.

Harford County is responsible for these roads: Algonquin Court, Barker Lane, Barrett Street, parts of Bayview Drive, Bryan Road, Casamia Road, parts of Chapel Road, Davis Road, Foley Road, Iroquois Court, Jennings Street, Kee Wee Drive, Lyon Street, John Smith Street, Lapidum Road, Leslie Road, Maryland Avenue, Morrison Boulevard and Shawnee Brooke Drive. To report issues on these county roads, call 410-638-3279.

The Maryland State Highway Administration maintains MD 155 (Superior Street, Level Road and part of Ohio Street); as well as MD 7 (Post Road, Old Post Road, Revolution Street, Otsego Street and Union Avenue). To report issues on these state roads, call 410-838-7788.

When will Harford County plow my street? (For those in the county, Harford County government offers these guidelines.)

Streets are cleared in the following order in Harford County:

Check the Harford County snow plow tracker; once the site has been activated after a snow event, it tracks progress.

Also check Harford County’s list of road closures due to weather or other hazards.

Traffic tip: Give snow plows room to work and do not try to pass a plow train.

Related: Winter Weather Advisory - 4 Inches Of Snow Possible

How can residents help?

• Clear ice, snow and leaves from around fire hydrants and storm drains.
• Keep the sidewalk abutting your property clear of ice and snow. Per Havre de Grace city code, people have 24 hours after a snow/ice storm to clear walkways in front of their homes or businesses.
• Do not blow or shovel snow into the street, which creates a hazard. Move snow into the yard.
• Clear only your driveway; keep the driveway apron un-cleared until your street has been cleared and the snow has stopped. Then, shovel/blow the snow from the driveway apron area into the lawn area.
• If you must clear the driveway apron before the snow has stopped then shovel/blow the snow approximately 25 feet to the right of your driveway when facing it from the street. This will allow less snow to be plowed prior to passing your driveway apron.
• Remove basketball hoops and other play items from the street or curbside.
• Park your car off the street wherever possible.
• Report potholes or road hazards to Harford County at 410-638-3532.
• Report trees down to the Harford County Sheriff's Office at 410-838-6600.
• Check on neighbors needing assistance.

Need tips for shoveling?

• Shovel early and often. Newly fallen snow is lighter than heavily packed or partially melted snow. It is also important to keep a path to your door in case you need to leave in an emergency.
• Clear an area where you will put snow. Then pile it there, preferably downstream of the plow (in the direction of traffic).
• Push the snow instead of lifting it. Keep the shovel close to your body, and space your hands to increase leverage. If you must lift snow, lift properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift with your legs; do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it.
• Do not throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side. This action requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.
• Do not work to the point of exhaustion.
• Don't pick up that shovel without a doctor's permission if you have a history of heart disease. If you feel tightness in the chest or dizziness, stop immediately.
• Do not let a hat or scarf block your vision. Watch out for ice patches and uneven surfaces. Avoid falls by wearing shoes/boots that have slip-resistant soles.
• Snow is a powerful light reflector on sunny days. Wear sunglasses to prevent "snow blindness."
• Pace yourself. Shoveling snow is an aerobic activity, comparable to weightlifting. Take frequent breaks from the cold and the effort, and replenish fluids to prevent dehydration.

How will this affect traffic?

Since the snow is falling after the Friday evening commute and is projected to be heaviest on Saturday, we'll be spared a rush-hour nightmare. However, it can still cause problems, so you should monitor the National Weather Service's social media feeds for any updates.

Where to find road conditions?

You can call 511 or visit www.md511.org to learn about road conditions in any area of the state.

Where to find snow closings and cancellations?
Government closings and cancellations are communicated on the Harford County website and social media, including on Facebook and Twitter. School closing announcements due to inclement weather are available from Harford County Public Schools.

Sign up for local news alerts to stay on top of closures.

File photo of snow via City of Havre de Grace.