Frederick County Highway Operation officials are getting ready for the first expected snowstorm of the season.  The National Weather Service is calling for rain to change over to snow into Tuesday morning.  Superintendent Bill Routzahn says his crews have already filled their trucks with their materials.  "We will have our crews out in the morning scouting the roads, making sure no snow is sticking to them.  But as soon as we see that snow is sticking, we will have crews called in," said Routzahn. He said crews will not pre-treat roads because the forecast is calling for temperatures, right now, to be above freezing.

Never assume your vehicle can handle all conditions.  Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on wintry mixed roads.  "Whenever this time of year you get precipitation coming down, motorists want to make sure they drive extra careful.  There could be ice forming underneath your tires. I recommend that you drive slowly and reduce your speed," continued Routzahn.

The City of Fredericksent out a press release Monday reminding residents of their responsibilities and of city operations during a snow storm.

When a snow emergency is in effect, residents are not permitted to park on designated Snow Emergency Routes. Vehicles parked in these areas will be towed at the owner's expense. Additionally, vehicles traveling on Snow Emergency Routes will be required to use snow tires or chains.

Enforcement by the Frederick Police Department will begin two hours after the emergency is announced and will continue until it has been lifted.

Residents are required to clear sidewalks of snow and ice, within 12 hours after snow stops falling, according to Section 22-16 of the City of Frederick, Maryland Code, Titled, Removal of Snow and Ice from Sidewalks. The city's Code Enforcement Department can issue a municipal infraction of up to $100 to those residents who do not remove snow and ice from their sidewalks.

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous outlook for the Frederick area and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.