MARYLANDERS URGED TO PREPARE NOW, WINTER STORM STARTING OVERNIGHT

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (February 19, 2019) – With another round of winter weather expected to impact much of Maryland starting after midnight, The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is urging residents to prepare now for the effects of the storm.

"The incoming winter weather could bring accumulating snow to much of our state, and I urge all Marylanders to prepare now for this storm," said Governor Larry Hogan. “As the snow is expected to start during the morning rush hour, please use good judgment and avoid travel if possible."   

As of 1 p.m., the National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Warnings for all Maryland counties west of the Chesapeake Bay except for Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, which are under a Winter Weather Advisory. On the Eastern Shore, Caroline, Cecil, Key, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties are under a Winter Weather Advisory.

The storm is expected to begin as snow and dump 4-8 inches on the areas under the warning and 2-4 inches on the areas covered by the advisory. The precipitation is predicted to change to ice in many areas on Wednesday afternoon before changing over to all rain.

“If you have to be out on the roads, make sure your car is prepared with a winter emergency kit and make sure to let friends and relatives know your travel plans before heading out,” said MEMA Executive Director Russell Strickland. “Because this is expected to be a heavy, wet snow followed by some icing, keep your devices charged in case of extended power outages.”

Marylanders are urged to listen and follow trusted weather forecasts for their areas of Maryland. MEMA also advises Maryland residents to take the following actions:

• Check on vulnerable family, neighbors and friends.
• Know who to contact in the case of a power outage. Emergency phone numbers for utility companies can be found here.
• Never run generators indoors, in closed areas, or near vents.
• Be cautious shoveling snow or ice to avoid overexertion. Take frequent breaks and keep hydrated.
• Dress in several layers when venturing outside in the extreme cold.  Frostbite and Hypothermia can set in in minutes.