DEEP CREEK DUNK ORGANIZERS URGE CAUTION DUE TO IMPENDING STORM

(McHENRY, MD) – A forecast of heavy snow followed by an icy mix in Western Maryland counties tomorrow is causing organizers of the Deep Creek Dunk to urge caution and even reconsideration for all those intending to travel to Garrett County for the event.

As of this morning, weather forecasts are calling for up to a foot of snow in Garrett County tomorrow. Snowfall is predicted to begin in the morning and continue through the day, followed by an icy mix as temperatures finally begin to warm into the 30’s in the evening. Snow is also predicted for all Western Maryland counties along the route most take to reach the Maryland State Police/Natural Resources Police Deep Creek Dunk site in McHenry, Md.

The law enforcement and Special Olympics Maryland personnel organizing the Deep Creek Dunk are issuing this alert to all those considering traveling to the event tomorrow. Despite the valiant efforts of state and county highway crews, road conditions are expected to be, at best, challenging throughout the day. Those planning to drive to the Dunk from outside Garrett County tomorrow are urged to rethink and possibly cancel their plans to attend.

“Our paramount concern is for the safety of everyone planning to attend the Deep Creek Dunk,” Special Olympics President and CEO Jim Schmutz said. “We do not want anyone to risk their safety by traveling to the Dunk in hazardous conditions. We deeply appreciate the support thousands have already shown through their donations and their willingness to participate in the Dunk. However, we would rather you reconsider your plans to attend than place yourself in potential jeopardy due to another winter storm.”

The Deep Creek Dunk will still be held. Many people are already in town for the event or will be traveling here today before the storm. Precautions are still urged for those already in Garrett County who will be attending, since roads will be snow covered and visibility will be reduced tomorrow. Motorists traveling through the McHenry area on Rt. 219 are urged to be on the alert for pedestrians walking along or crossing the highway at Uno’s. Maryland State Police troopers will be on-scene stopping traffic periodically to allow pedestrians to cross Rt. 219.

For those frustrated that this rough winter may have spoiled their plans yet again, Dunk organizers suggest you take out your frustrations by making an additional donation to Special Olympics on-line. Visitwww.dunkmd.com and click on ‘donate,’ or enter the name of someone already registered to Dunk and support their effort.

If you change your plans to attend, nothing is preventing you from doing your own Dunk right at home tomorrow. There is certainly plenty of snow and cold everywhere. Just be sure to ‘dunk’ safely. If you hold your own Dunk, be sure to capture it on video and share it with everyone on Twitter @DeepCreekDunk and #2015DCD.

All money raised by the Deep Creek Dunk goes to support the year-round sports training and competition provided free-of-charge by Special Olympics Maryland to thousands of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Many of those individuals supported by this event are in Garrett County and the Western Maryland Region.