Maryland Prepares For Slippery Roads Ahead Of Winter Storm
BALTIMORE (WJZ)— A winter weather system is expected to move into Maryland late Tuesday, with significant snow accumulations throughout the day on Wednesday. Baltimore City and the entire state are making preparations.
Rochelle Ritchie has more on how local counties and Baltimore City are gearing up for the winter blast.
Baltimore City plans to have 150 pieces of equipment to tackle the messy weather coming our way.
Almost a foot of snow could fall across Baltimore City in the next 24 hours as a winter storm makes an unwelcome visit.
"We'll be working throughout the night to address icy conditions to prepare for the morning commute," said Adrienne Barnes, Baltimore City Department of Transportation.
Sky Eye Chopper 13 was over one of the many salt domes in the city stocked and ready to go.
In more rural areas like Carroll County, road crews spent the morning loading up trucks and have already began to pre-treat the roads.
"We've got our heavy equipment ready with plows and chains ready to plow the snow," said Bruce Lockard, bureau chief for Carroll County road operations.
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Carroll County has 97 employees working the roads Wednesday, covering 63 snow routes with a total of 58 snow plows.
Four salt domes in Carroll County are loaded with 8,000-10,000 tons of salt ready to go on the roads and keep drivers safe.
"Our trucks typically carry around 10 tons. Our routes are designed that we hit all parts of the county at the same time," Lockard said.
The city says while they are taking precautions Tuesday night, they are concerned about what people will wake up to Wednesday morning.
"We think the morning commute may be a little horrific, so we are asking motorists to plan ahead to allow yourselves extra travel time," Barnes said.
Baltimore City has 14,000 tons of salt available. More has been ordered. About 300 people will be working throughout the evening and Wednesday morning.
The emergency storm center will be activated at 10 p.m. Crews will begin clearing and salting the roads at midnight.
