Politics & Government
'Unpredictable' Storm Poses Challenges for State Officials, Commuters
Rains early in the day washed salt off roads, complicating snow removal efforts. State officials urged caution.
HANOVER - A tricky mix of rain, sleet and snow kept state officials guessing the best way to treat roads Wednesday, but crews will be out in force to make sure roads are clear for Thursday’s commute.
“This storm has been unpredictable as in how and when it would start,” Gov. Martin O’Malley said during a briefing with State Highway Administration officials.
Roads were slick Wednesday as rain earlier in the day prevented pre-treating surfaces.
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“[Salt] doesn’t work when you have rain like this,” O’Malley said.
Salt was put down on the roads Wednesday morning, but the rain washed it away, SHA Administrator Neil Pedersen said.
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“The challenge,” he said, “is the timing of this [storm].”
Snowplows went to work about the same time as Wednesday’s evening rush hour, when heavy traffic made it challenging to keep roads clear.
“We will be working the storm as hard as we can,” Pedersen said.
He also advised Maryland residents to “never, ever try to pass a snow plow,” because it can be extremely dangerous.
The SHA and Maryland Transportation Authority on Wednesday evening said it had 2,200 workers battling the storm.
Col. Terrence B. Sheridan, superintendant of Maryland State Police, said National Guard troops would be on standby in case additional personnel are needed.
Last year, $124 million was spent on snow removal efforts in Maryland, Pedersen said. So far this year, $34 million has been spent to prepare for winter storms.
Commuter buses ran on earlier schedules Wednesday afternoon to get people home sooner, SHA Deputy Secretary Darrell Mobley said. “[Maryland Transit Administration] personnel will man the city storm," he said.
De-icer trains were sent out to prepare rails across the commuter and subway network, and chains were added to increase traction of buses in certain areas, according to the MTA website.
Mobley said the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport had canceled flights, and he encouraged people with travel plans to contact the airline to clarify the airline's status.
“Please take it slowly. This snow will fall fast, and it will be a heavy snow. Be safe out there."
