First major snowfall keeps crews busy on Delmarva

SALISBURY, Md. – This weekend marked the first snowstorm of the year and officials are making sure residents stay safe especially while out on the road.

“Where there’s slush on the roads, where there’s snow on the roads we’re going to plow that off,” said Maryland State Highway Spokesperson, Bob Rager.

With up to six inches of snow forecasted to hit parts of Delmarva by Sunday night an entire force of workers have taken over the streets to keep drivers safe, a task officials say is not easy.

“The long hours are difficult,” said Wicomico County Roads Division Superintendent, Lee Outen.

“We don’t really have rotations so the guys pretty much come in and they work and we get it done, so there’s a lot of effort that goes into it,” said Outen.

According to officials, about 700 tons of salt are stored in sheds to load out on our roads and keep drivers safe.

“We have 200 miles of the 700 miles that we have in this county that we salt,” said Outen.

“So our main focus on a storm like this, you may not have enough snow that you’re going to have to plow the entire county, but those are our major roads that we want to keep as clear as possible,” said Outen.

But, Outen said there is more to it than just salting and plowing the roads.

“Getting materials in, keeping equipment up and going, hydraulic lines, lights and plows,” said Outen, “There’s a lot to it that probably most people don’t see.”

Rager also said it is crucial for drivers to keep in mind that road conditions are constantly changing.