More Snow on the Way for the Baltimore Region

As the forecast continues to evolve, the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning in effect from 9 p.m. tonight until 7 a.m. Tuesday with total nighttime snow and sleet accumulation expected to be between 3 and 7 inches.

The National Weather Service is forecasting rain to start before 8 p.m., then snow and sleet between 8 and 10 p.m. before switching to all snow. The snow could be heavy at times with temperatures expected to drop to around 26.

The mixed precipitation expected would make it more difficult to treat area roads because crews will be unable to pre-treat them as the rain will wash the salt brine away, State Highway Administration officials said. However, SHA is preparing for the storm with salt, plows and crews to clear roads as quickly and safely as possible.

“If you have a choice not to travel tonight, please don’t,” said SHA Administrator Neil J. Pedersen in a statement. “Our crews will work throughout the night, but depending on when it stops snowing, all routes may not be completely cleared by morning rush hour.  Please check conditions before driving in the morning and allow plenty of extra travel time.”

SHA officials recommend motorists log on to www.roads.maryland.gov and click “CHART” to view traffic cameras, road conditions and incidents along major routes. 

Also of concern is another round of mass power outages, especially as thousands of residents just had their power restored following this weekend’s heavy winds.

Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. (BGE) today announced that it is closely monitoring the weather system that will likely cause electric service interruptions. The combination of ice and heavy wet snow will weigh down trees and tree limbs—many of which were weakened by last week’s windstorm— causing them to fall onto power lines and other electric delivery equipment and interrupt electric service.

BGE stressed that its restoration priorities are public safety issues and critical to facilities, such as 911 centers, hospitals and pumping stations. Restoration is generally scheduled so the greatest number of customers can be restored as quickly and safely as possible.

However, in cases of extended power outages, consideration is also given to customers who have been without service for the longest.

“While BGE is prepared to begin restoring electric service as safely and as quickly as possible, hazardous road conditions will extend the travel times of restoration crews, which could extend outage durations,” said A. Christopher Burton, senior vice president of gas and electric operations and planning for BGE in a statement. “We thank our customers in advance for their cooperation and understanding.”

Stay with Patch for the latest weather updates along with any school closures and delays.