Maryland Snowstorm 2017: Gov. Hogan Urges Residents To Stay Home, State Of Emergency Exists

(Updated at 9:35 p.m.) SILVER SPRING, MD — In anticipation of winter storm Stella, Maryland State Police are implementing the snow emergency plans in several counties ahead of the storm to immediately remove abandoned vehicles from state roads and highways. Gov. Larry Hogan signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency in Maryland effective at 9 p.m. Monday, March 13, and urged residents to stay home. (Get Patch’s daily newsletter and real-time news alerts, or like us on Facebook for more storm updates.)

“Our state is taking every precaution and coordinating all available resources to respond to this winter storm,” said Hogan. “We urge all Marylanders to use common sense and to stay indoors and off the roads. Now is the time to remain alert and regularly check for updated weather forecasts as conditions change.”

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency will continue coordinating with all state agencies throughout the duration of this storm.

As of 3 p.m. Monday, a snow emergency plan was implemented in the following counties: Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Montgomery, Harford, Cecil, Frederick and Washington. Drivers are encouraged to stay off the roads during the storm. State of emergency alerts have been issued in Rockville, Gaithersburg, Annapolis and Harford County.

The state's snow emergency plan applies to any highway designated by the State Highway Administration as a snow emergency route. Residents may not park their cars on any snow emergency route. Any car parked along a snow emergency route can by towed by police or state highway personnel.

SHA crews have begun towing any abandoned vehicles from the shoulders of snow emergency routes in the eight counties where an emergency is in place. Any vehicle abandoned during the storm will also be towed as soon as possible.

A list of emergency parking sites for commercial vehicles and other important highway information can be found at here. Road conditions will also be available at md511.org or by dialing 511.

If your car is towed from a state road or highway, contact the State Highway Administration at 410-582-5650, or contact the State Police barrack in the area where their vehicle was towed from for information regarding the vehicle location. Barrack locations and phone numbers can be found here.

Important Maryland Numbers include:

PEPCO: 1-877-737-2662
Baltimore Gas and Electric (BG&E): 1-877-778-2222 or 1-800-685-0123
First Energy/Potomac Edison: 1-888-544-4977
SMECO: 1-877-747-6326 or 1-888-440-3311
Washington Gas: 1-800-752-7520
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission: 1-800-828-4002

Snow and sleet will measure anywhere from 4 to 12 inches, with higher amounts across the northern central part of Maryland, the National Weather Service says. The heaviest snow is expected between midnight and 8 a.m. on Tuesday. Snow may fall at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

If a power outage occurs:

• Treat all “dark” intersections as four-way stops. Stop, then proceed cautiously.
• During a power outage, relying on battery-operated lights, rather than candles, is much safer. Using candles increases the risk of a fire.
• Refrigerated food will remain unspoiled only about four hours if the refrigerator is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed. Use ice to keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0° or lower if there is a prolonged power outage.
• It can be fatal to use gas or charcoal grills, propane heaters and stoves, kerosene space heaters or generators indoors. These items are a source of carbon monoxide, which can build up indoors and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

More Winter Weather Tips:

• If there is a power outage, be prepared by having enough food, water, medication if needed and batteries to last at least two days. Make sure portable radios, smoke detectors and flashlights are working properly. Make shelter, food, water and medication preparations for pets and livestock.
• Automobile owners are urged to help clear the way for snow plow operators. When parking on-street, pull close to the curb on the even numbered side of the street. Park vehicles in driveways, or off the street, whenever possible.
• Plan where you will park if a State or County Snow Emergency is declared, making parking illegal on those roads. Drivers may park in County public-parking garages and lots for free during a snow emergency.
• Be sure your vehicle(s) are ready to drive after the storm by filling the gas tank; checking tires to make sure they have an adequate tread and are fully inflated; checking oil, antifreeze and windshield washer fluid levels; and ensuring windshield wipers, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes and defroster are all working.

Flight Delays: Flights from many East Coast cities are being delayed as the storm moves in Monday evening. You can check for delays at BWI, Dulles, Reagan and other airports.

Image: June Marie/Flickr