Concerns about the night time when temperatures drop and freezing occurs.
Frederick, Md (KM). The plow trucks have been busy all day. The Maryland State Highway Administration says its crews have been out pushing away the snow and treating the roads.
Spokeswoman Shantee Felix says the pre-treating done a few days ago has left behind a lot of salt on the roads, which has kept them in somewhat decent shape. But SHA officials are concerned about the evening, when the temperatures fall, and freezing of road surfaces. “We’re patrolling for icy spots and we’ll continue to treat and we’re continuing to exchange information and watch the forecast,” she says. “The good news is that after today, we expect the temperatures to warm up, like in the high 40’s and low 50’s later in the weekend.”
If you’re heading home from work this afternoon or going out tonight, Felix urges you to be careful. “We always remind people that speed limits are for dry conditions. So today you want to drive five, ten miles slower than you ordinarily would,” she says.
The National Weather Service has extended the Winter Weather Advisory until 5:00 PM on Friday. The agency says total snow accumulations could reach up to three inches. The winter precipitation is expected to end by this evening.
The Maryland State Police have put the Snow Emergency Plan into affect in Frederick and Washington Counties. Motorists are reminded to have snow tires or all season radials on their vehicles. Studded tires are legal in Maryland from November 1st to March 31st. Drivers cannot park their vehicles on a Snow Emergency Route when the Snow Emergency Plan is put in place. Vehicles parked on Snow Emergency Routes are subject to being towed.
The Snow Emergency Routes in Frederick County are:
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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 |
By Kevin McManus