Politics & Government
Snow Will Affect Afternoon Commute; School Programs Canceled
Motorists are advised to avoid the highways during the Wednesday afternoon rush hour to allow plows to clear the roads.
As snow falls across central Maryland, the Maryland State Highway Administration is encouraging motorists to avoid traveling during the normal rush hour so crews can begin clearing roads.
In Howard County, all community and school-sponsored events, including high school athletic practices and games, scheduled for public school facilities Wednesday afternoon and evening are canceled, according to a statement from the Howard County Public School System.
Aftercare programs sponsored by the Columbia Association and the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks will be held.
Find out what's happening in Columbiawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Snow is expected to fall across central, northern and western into Wednesday evening, with moderate snowfall expected during the rush hour.
“SHA will continue to closely monitor the storm, but we certainly need motorists to do their part as well,” said Melinda Peters, SHA Administrator. “Traveling the roads this afternoon during the height of the normal rush hour should NOT be an option; plows need space to clear the roads and gridlocked traffic does not allow crews the opportunity to make the roads safe.”
Find out what's happening in Columbiawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
According to Meteorologist Justin Berk, the snow will be more likely to stick when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing as the sun goes down. He is predicting the heaviest and 'crunchiest' mix on roads to come at 5 p.m. during the height of the evening rush hour.
When storms hit during periods of peak traffic, it is difficult for snow removal crews to keep roads free of snow and ice, according to the Maryland Emergency Management Agency.
That can lead to accidents and stalled vehicles, and the resulting backups then delay the response of snow removal crews and first responders. As a result, there are long delays for travelers, MEMA officials said in a press release.
State highway officials have pre-treated major routes in Maryland in advance of forecasted winter weather. SHA crews applied a salt brine solution to interstates and primary roadways Tuesday in preparation for a quickly moving storm, officials said.
Officials are reminding motorists to never pass a snow plow or plow train. The safest place to be while driving in winter weather is behind a snow plow.
