Winter Storm Dumps Snow, Sleet & Rain Across Maryland, Causing Accidents & Travel Woes
BALTIMORE (WJZ)— Another winter storm wreaks havoc across the region. Ice caused trouble on the roads and the big problem is the wind, which knocked out power across the area.
Meghan McCorkell has the latest on the conditions.
BGE called in extra crews Wednesday night. The bulk of the power outages are in Baltimore County. With even more wind expected Thursday, the power company is in full storm mode.
Whipping winds knocked down power lines, leaving hundreds in the dark. BGE crews worked late into the night to get the lights back on in a Nottingham neighborhood.
Treacherous winds also caused road restrictions on the Bay Bridge, with gusts topping 40 miles an hour.
It was snow and ice that wreaked havoc on the roads. A driver in Frederick lost control of a car and flipped over.
The dangerous conditions stopped some in their tracks.
"About 20 minutes into the road toward Thurmont, it started getting really heavy like this and once we got into Frederick, we were like, `We gotta stop,'" said one driver.
In Carroll County, state police responded as multiple cars slid off the road, including one that slammed right into a mailbox.
"We just lost control. Thank God we just got gas," said Rachel Berner. "It's pretty scary."
In Baltimore City alone, 475 tons of salt were used to treat 850 miles of road. By late Wednesday afternoon, the city responded to 22 requests called in to 311.
"Some of the side roads are probably still a little slippery," said Adrienne Barnes, City Department of Transportation.
Road crews were out all day salting primary roads and patrolling major highways, but drivers still had trouble.
"It's really, really messy. Be real careful. Lots of slipping and sliding," said one driver.
Now crews are keeping an eye out to see if any slick spots re-freeze.
State Highway Administration crews are patrolling overnight and warn drivers to stay vigilant.
