Maryland: Winter storm pummels region
With snow falling since around 2 AM, Delmarva residents woke up to a white weekend.
Much of the 47 ABC viewing area is under a winter storm warning until 1 a.m. Sunday. 47 ABC Meteorologist Jaisol Martinez says 6 to 7 inches of snow has already fallen in many areas.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said snowfall will persist through most of the afternoon before tapering off in the early evening. Moderate to heavy snow is expected late morning to mid-afternoon, and NWS says the snowfall rate could be as much as one to two inches per hour.
As of 10 a.m., many roads had still not been plowed, including major highways. Travel is considered hazardous with visibility of a half mile or less, NWS said.
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At 4:15 a.m., Maryland State Police say a snow emergency is in effect in Wicomico County. MSP says all vehicles on the roadway must be equipped with snow chains or snow tires on both of the driving wheels. A parking ban on all snow emergency routes is also in effect.
The City of Salisbury has declared a state of emergency because of worsening conditions. The city says salting operations began overnight and will continue as warranted throughout the day. The city is also says it is plowing snow emergency routes.
Talbot County is operating under a snow emergency plan, which prohibits parking on roads and streets designated as snow emergency routes. It also requires snow tires or all-weather tires.
Effective immediately the Town of Easton is operating under phase two of its emergency snow plan, which prohibits vehicles on town streets unless they are equipped with chains or tires permitted by the state for use during snow emergencies. Vehicles are not permitted to park on snow emergencies routes or at metered spaces where prohibited by signage.
According to Maryland State Police, a snow emergency went into effect in Worcester County at 2 AM Saturday. Parking is prohibited on all snow emergency routes in the county, and all vehicles driving during the snow emergency must have snow tires, all-weather tires or be equipped with snow chains.
The Town of Ocean City says its winter storm plan is in effect. Ocean City Recreation and Parks daytime programs have been canceled for today and tomorrow. Emergency management officials are encouraging residents to avoid parking on streets until cleanup is complete.
Somerset County is under a snow emergency starting 2 AM Saturday as well, Maryland State Police said.
Dorchester County officials ask residents to keep phones and other electronic communication devices charged in case of emergencies.
Shore Transit bus routes will be closed Saturday and will run fixed routes when the roads are safe.
Greyhound buses, which operate from the Tri-County Terminal have, are canceled Saturday morning. To confirm if they will operate tomorrow, visit Greyhound.com or call 1-800-231-2222.
