Harford County to Motorists: Stay Off Roads

After receiving dozens of calls about crashes, Harford County emergency management officials asked citizens Tuesday afternoon to stay off the roads.

Since 7 a.m., the county's 911 call center has dispatched more than 30 calls for service involving crashes, five of which resulted in personal injury, according to a 3 p.m. statement from Harford County's Department of Emergency Services.

Officials said the majority of the crashes were directly related to severe weather conditions.

"Roads throughout Harford County are snow-covered and slippery," the statement said. "Additionally the combination of snow and wind gusts will reduce visibility."

To keep people safe, "Harford County emergency management officials are urging motorists to refrain from driving until weather and road conditions improve," the statement said.

Winter Storm Timeline

• 7 a.m. Winter storm warning took effect, lasting until 11 p.m. Travel may be hazardous due to winter weather.
• 9 a.m. Snow began in Harford County and will continue until early evening.
• 11:30 a.m. Harford County declared snow emergency. Vehicles cannot park on "snow routes."
• 6 p.m. Wind chill advisory in effect; temperatures may fall from -5 to -15 degrees, with cold air and strong winds (20 to 40 mph).
• 10 p.m. Snow to taper off. Total expected to be 5 to 11 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Harford County emergency management reported there would be 8 to 10 inches in northern Harford and 6 to 8 inches in the southern part of the county.
• 11 p.m. Winter storm warning expires in Harford County.
• Wednesday 12 p.m. Wind chill advisory expires.
• Wednesday through Friday, arctic conditions for most of the state of Maryland. Use extreme caution outdoors and dress in layers.