How much snow will Maryland get? Winter storm preparations underway

BALTIMORE - The State Highway Administration pre-treated highways as Maryland saw more snow Monday night into Tuesday morning.

The latest system is set to impact the evening commute Monday and the morning commute Tuesday. WJZ's First Alert Weather Team is tracking all the developments including timing and impact here.

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"This storm's going to affect two rush hours: this afternoon and evening and also part of tomorrow morning's rush hour, so you have to plan accordingly," said Charlie Gischlar, from the Maryland State Highway Administration. 

State Highway crews will be using salt brine to help keep snow and ice from sticking to roads.

If you do not need to leave the house during the winter weather, you're encouraged to stay safe and stay home.

If you must travel, here are the key things to remember, according to SHA:

• Slow down. Posted speed limits are for ideal (dry) weather conditions.
• Use extra caution on elevated surfaces, such as bridges, overpasses, and ramps as they are the first to freeze.
• Don't crowd the plow. Stay behind and leave plenty of space between your vehicle and SHA equipment.
• Before driving, clear all snow from your vehicle as remaining snow on hoods and roofs can become ice and dislodge during highway travel which poses hazards to other drivers.
• Move over or slow down when approaching emergency equipment - it's the law!

"We want people to stay behind our equipment, particularly when we have them all linked up in a snow plow train, where we're doing them in one pass with a bunch of different trucks," Gischlar said. "Every year, we have someone who wants to pass that, then we have to go pull them out because they wiped out down the road."

"Just be a little bit on the defensive side, make sure you have the right tires," driver Chris Barnes added. "That's pretty much it. Keep an eye out for everyone else."    

SHA also has the Statewide Transportation Operations Resource Map (STORM) available. Drivers can see where crews have been, as well as real-time weather information.

WJZ will have frequent weather updates as this system moves through. As a reminder, here is how you can stream us on CBS News Baltimore so you have the latest information any time you need it.

In:
• Travel
• Winter Storm
• Snow Storm