As winter’s chill begins to settle in, the Maryland Highway Administration has outlined its preparations for the upcoming cold season.
On Thursday, snow plow drivers from the Maryland Department of Transportation were hard at work in western Maryland, preparing for severe winter weather as the area faced blizzard-like conditions and remained under a Blizzard Warning for the majority of the day.
In Central Maryland, residents faced icy conditions, strong winds, and occasional snow squalls during the morning rush.
In the coming nights, the First Alert Weather team anticipates wind chill readings to drop into the upper teens or 20s.
Ready for Action
The State Highway Administration in Maryland has reported that it is well-prepared with 386,000 tons of rock salt across 87 facilities, 1.6 million gallons of salt brine at 77 locations, and over 2,300 vehicles ready for snow removal efforts.
The collection features 310 winged plows, with several showcased at the yearly event dedicated to winter equipment. The state is employing various stationary road sensors alongside over 100 mobile weather sensors to gather real-time data.
“We’re ready to jump into action whenever Mother Nature decides it’s time,” said Will Pines, the Administrator of the State Highway Administration.
Keep an eye on Cold Weather Conditions
The state collaborates with the navigation application Waze, providing real-time data to enhance driver safety on the roads. The Coordinated Highways Action Response Team, commonly referred to as CHART, operates from a centralized hub to oversee conditions and road data, which is subsequently relayed to the public and field crews.
“They’re monitoring all the conditions statewide,” Pines said. “That information is being projected out to the public so that everybody can stay informed about roadway conditions. But even beyond that, we’re using that information to deploy our crews. If a roadway user has Waze on their phone, some of the information that they’re getting through Waze is actually coming from us.”
Getting ready for Extended Periods
Snow removal operators have expressed their readiness for the extended shifts ahead this winter season.
Rodney Lewis has been with MDOT for six years, serving in northern Anne Arundel County, an area characterized by a network of significant roads and highways. He noted that the season can pose challenges, particularly when drivers navigate the roads with a lack of caution.
“It can get bad,” Lewis said. “Please, I beg y’all, if you do not have to be on the roads, stay in the house. And please don’t try to rush past us. Let us get the job done, so y’all can get home safely.”
Lewis expressed confidence that Maryland is prepared to face whatever challenges the winter season may present in the coming months.
“Less snow is always good, but we’re ready, so bring it on,” Lewis said.
“Stay warm and cozy!”
Although central Maryland isn’t expecting any snow soon, the biting wind and cold temperatures created a wintry atmosphere on Thursday.
“It feels like the North Pole,” said Scaggsville resident Abdoul Sy. “Definitely bundle up, stay warm [and] get some hot chocolate.”
Frank Kearney, hailing from New Market, reported that the temperatures were extremely cold at 3 a.m. during his commute to BWI Thurgood Airport. He mentioned that he and his kids are prepared for the upcoming snow season.
“It’s cold. That wind gets you in the face, that’s for sure,” Kearney said. “It doesn’t stop me though. I got a couple of little kids who bring on the snow.”
