State Police put Snow Emergency Plan in affect.
Frederick, Md (KM) Driving could be a little tricky on Tuesday. The Maryland State Highway Administration says crews have been out plowing and treating the roads. Spokesman Charlie Gischlar says plow drivers pre-treated the roads prior to the snow storm by applying salt brine which prevents snow and ice from building up on the highways.
If you have to go out on Tuesday, Gischlar urges you to slow down, and be cautious when driving over elevated surfaces such as bridges, ramps and overpasses. as they are the first to freeze.
“Make sure if you see something wet, assume that it is frozen. You have better control over your vehicle,” he says.
If you encounter a snow plow while out driving, Gischlar says don’t pass it. Instead, stay several car lengths behind the plow. “Give yourself plenty of time. Stay behind them. That’s your best bet because they’re literally clearing a path for you,” he says.
It’s important to plan ahead if you have to go out by going to roads.maryland.gov to find which roads are safe to drive. “There you will have our Statewide Transportation Operations Resource Map or STORM that shows where all of our equipment and contracting equipment have been, and where they are presently. So you can choose a road that was recently treated. And you’ll also access to hundreds of live traffic cameras and a real time incident page,” says Gischlar.
The National Weather Service has put a Winter Storm Warning in affect for the region until 10:00 AM on Tuesday. Four to six inches of snow which could affect the morning commute. .
As of 8:00 PM Monday night, the Maryland State Police put the Snow Emergency Plan in affect. That means motorists should be operating their vehicles with snow tires or chains. Studded tires are only permitted from November 1st to March 31st. During a Snow Emergency Plan declaration, an individual may not park on any highway designated as a snow emergency route. .
The Snow Emergency Routes in Frederick County are:
US Route 15; US Route 15 (Business); US Route 40; US Route 40 (Alternate); US route 340;
Md. Routes 17, 26, 27, 28, 31, 75, 76, 79, 80, 85, 140, 144FA, 180 and 194; also, Interstate 270 and 70.
By Kevin McManus