A Winter Weather Advisory Remains in Effect for Frederick County

The snow emergency plan is also in effect for Frederick County.

FREDERICK, MD. (LG)  A winter weather advisory for snow remains in effect for Frederick County until 3 p.m.  That’s according to the National Weather Service.

A winter weather advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties.  Maryland State Highway Administration spokeswoman Lindsey Franey says you can expect some snow covered roads and limited visibilities in some area.  She’s urging motorists to use caution while driving.  “Motorists if you are out today, we are going to experience, they’re saying 1 to 2 inches and I’m fairly certain of that. If you are out, take it slow and give our plows space, if you encounter them,” said Franey.

Maryland State Highway crews did not pre-treat roads in advance of this storm.  “There are a few reasons for that. One being that the pre-treatment is a brine that consists of over half of water, so with the freezing temperatures added to the roadways, you don’t want to use that because it will freeze up.”

Residual salt remains on state-maintained roadways from Tuesday’s storm, acting as a first defense against the winter precipitation.

The snow emergency plan is in effect for Frederick County.

The following highways have been designated as Snow Emergency Routes in Frederick County:

U.S. 15

U.S. 40

U.S. 40 Alternate

U.S. 340

Interstate 70

Interstate 270

MD 17

MD 26

MD 27

MD 28

MD 31

MD 75

MD 76

MD 79

MD 80

MD 85

MD 140

MD 144FA

MD 180

MD 194

Once the Snow Emergency Plan has been placed in effect, Maryland Law requires motorists to operate vehicles that are equipped with snow tires as designated by the manufacturer or equipped with chains.  Studded tires are allowed from November 1 through March 31.

During the declaration of a snow emergency, a person may not park a vehicle on any highway designated as a snow emergency route.

By Loretta Gaines