TROOPERS PREPARE FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Troopers, in coordination with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, the State Highway Administration, and other local agencies prepare for the approaching snow storm.

Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police, advises motorists to be aware of the possibility of hazardous conditions that may arise from the pending snow event. Colonel Brown has directed barrack commanders across the state to be prepared to assess road conditions in their area and deploy troopers as appropriate.

Motorists are reminded of highway restrictions should a snow emergency plan be activated. If declared, parking is prohibited on roads and streets designated as snow emergency routes. All motorists are required to use approved mud and snow tires or chains while operating their vehicle during a declared snow emergency. All unattended vehicles along major roads will be towed. A motorist whose car or truck has been towed can contact the local state police barrack for information regarding their vehicle.

During snow storms, abandoned and disabled vehicles cause major concerns for snow removal trucks and for troopers responding to emergency situations. Maryland State Police encourage those who do not need to travel during the storm to stay off the roads. If you find it necessary to travel, make sure your vehicle is in good working condition and have an emergency roadside kit in your vehicle.

In the event of power failures, motorists are reminded of Maryland’s law concerning non-functioning traffic lights. The law requires all drivers approaching an intersection with a non-functioning traffic signal to stop. Drivers may proceed only after they have yielded to any vehicles or pedestrians already in the intersection. They must remain stopped until the intersection is clear and it is safe to proceed.

For the latest statewide emergency information, citizens are urged to visit the Maryland Emergency Management Agency website at www.mema.state.md.us. Up to the minute statewide traffic information, including road closures due to snow or ice is available on-line at www.511md.org, or by calling 511. Road conditions and views of live traffic cameras are also available on the State Highway Administration website at www.roads.maryland.gov. Citizens are urged not to call Maryland State Police barracks simply to check on road conditions. Calls to police or 911 centers during the storm should be for emergency situations only.

Commercial vehicles are invited to wait out the storm at one of ten Maryland State Police scale house parking lots that will be available overnight. The following is a listing of all the Maryland scale house locations:

Delmar on US 13 in Wicomico County
Finzel on I-68 Eastbound in Garrett County
Hyattstown on I-270 in Montgomery County
Parkton on I-83 Southbound Baltimore County
New Market on I-70 Eastbound in Frederick County
Upper Marlboro on US 301 in Prince George’s County
West Friendship on 1:70 Westbound in Howard County
College Park, Park & Ride on I-95/495 in Prince George’s County
Conowingo on US 1 in Harford County
Cecilton on US 301 Southbound in Cecil County

Maryland State Police will be working closely with State Highway Administration and Maryland Emergency Management Agency officials throughout the storm. Marylanders are urged not to travel during the storm unless absolutely necessary.