Crews Mobilized; Roads Pre-Treated with Salt Brine
(January 25, 2021) — The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is preparing for winter weather that is expected to impact Maryland today.
The National Weather Service forecast calls for areas along the Pennsylvania line to see mixed precipitation this morning before turning to snow in the afternoon. Accumulations of 2-4” of snow are possible.
Warm air arriving to these areas overnight will transition snow to sleet and freezing rain, bringing the potential for significant icing north and west of I-95 after midnight Monday into Tuesday. Areas south of I-95 will likely see all rain for this event. Precipitation is expected to end early Tuesday.
MDOT SHA crews have prepared equipment, supplies and plans to keep roadways clear. Once the snow begins to fall, crews will deploy resources that include up to 387,000 tons of rock salt and 2,700 pieces of equipment statewide.
If possible, motorists are advised to avoid travel during this weather event. MDOT SHA advises anyone who must travel to take the following precautions:
Take it slow on ice and snow – Drive slower than usual. Posted speed limits are for ideal weather conditions
Don’t crowd the plow – Please give snow plows a wide berth on all sides
Elevated road surfaces such as bridges, ramps and overpasses freeze first – Remain extra vigilant
Real-time weather and traffic information is available at md511.maryland.gov. Customers can also view the Statewide Transportation Operations Resources Map (STORM) web application which provides a tracking of MDOT SHA winter operations