Accumulating snow expected in Baltimore may create slick driving conditions

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation would like to encourage citizens to plan ahead for a winter storm event that is forecast today for the Baltimore region.  Accumulating snow is expected to begin early this afternoon throughout the afternoon, which will affect the Friday afternoon/evening commute. 

The Baltimore City Snow Team is prepared for the winter precipitation and will closely monitor weather and roadway conditions.  Crews will be pretreating city gateways and primary roadways with salt brine this morning prior to the storm.  A full force of snow crews will also activate at 12:00 p.m. today to treat city streets and address icy conditions throughout the storm.  This includes nearly 300 pieces of city equipment and 300 contractor vehicles working on city streets during this event.

Citizens are encouraged to plan ahead and be prepared for winter emergencies. Driving conditions may become hazardous this afternoon/evening and motorists are advised to proceed with extreme caution.  Winter precipitation may cause roadways to become slick, especially on bridges, ramps and overpasses.  Motorists should allow additional travel time and exercise patience while driving.  Citizens are also encouraged to plan for an earlier afternoon commute today if possible to avoid traveling during the storm.

“We ask that commuters prepare for the inclement weather and drive with extreme caution, as roadways may become slippery,” said Director Michelle Pourciau. “Snow crews will be treating city streets and closely monitoring roadway conditions.  Motorists should not attempt to pass snow plows and should allow extra following distance for everyone’s safety.”

Citizens who do not have to drive are encouraged to refrain from traveling during the storm. Whenever possible, motorists are encouraged to utilize off street parking areas such as driveways and parking pads so that snow crews can better treat city roadways.

For updated weather forecasts, traffic conditions and school delay/closing information, citizens should tune into local media stations.  Be sure to follow DOT on Facebook at Baltimore City Department of Transportation and Twitter @BmorecityDOT for additional updates.

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