RESIDENTS, TRAVELERS IN NORTHERN, WESTERN MARYLAND URGED TO BE PREPARED FOR EARLY-SEASON WINTER STORM

REISTERSTOWN, MD (October 28, 2011) – Residents and people travelling in northern and western sections of Maryland should be prepared for hazardous conditions this weekend as an unusual October snow storm is predicted. A dusting to perhaps eight inches of snow is predicted from Friday night until Saturday afternoon in the northern tier of Maryland counties, with more predicted in far western Maryland.

The biggest concern for this storm will be the weight of snow on trees, which still have significant leaf cover. That could lead to injuries and property damage because of falling trees and power outages if trees fall on utility wires. There also is potential for some icing on roadways and sidewalks in northern areas of the state – especially in the overnight hours — and perhaps some snow accumulation on road surfaces in the western portion of the state.

Moderate flooding is also possible in Ocean City and Worcester County due to coastal flooding along the Atlantic Ocean and the inland bays Saturday.

Residents and travelers should tune to weather forecasts throughout the next 48 hours and can check on the condition of state roads around Maryland by dialing 511 or visiting http://www.md511.org/. Also be careful of wet leaves making roads slippery.

This is also a good time to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter travel. Add a blanket, water or sports drinks, energy bars, a flashlight, a small shovel and kitty litter, sand or road salt (for traction in snow) to your car’s emergency kit and always make sure to have at least a half a tank of gas in your car in case your vehicle becomes disabled or stuck in traffic. Consider carrying a cell phone charger or spare cell phone battery when you travel.

Make sure your home kit is ready in case of a power outage. Water, a battery operated or crank radio, non perishable food items and other essentials should be on hand, and the kit should be portable if you must evacuate.