(January 20, 2012) – As a winter storm is poised to strike from far western to central Maryland, the State Highway Administration (SHA) is deploying anti-icing crews and preparing other equipment that may be needed later this evening and throughout the night.  Anti-icing is a proactive measure in which crews apply a liquid salt brine solution to interstates, primary routes and bridges to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the roadway at the onset of a storm.

“While SHA has been clearing roads in Western Maryland for most of the winter, this may be the first real storm for the metropolitan area.  The specific hazard tonight and through tomorrow morning is the forecasted freezing rain, which could create treacherous conditions for everyone on the roads,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters.  “Since temperatures have been at or below freezing, it will only take a dusting for very slick roadway conditions to develop, so as with all storms please take this seriously and be careful. With the precipitation forecasted to begin just after rush hour, the best advice is to get home this evening and stay there.”

“Since the forecast calls for freezing rain, which can make road conditions particularly precarious even with crews salting, organizations, athletic teams and other groups should keep a close eye on the storm and plan on the possibility of rescheduling evening events,” said Administrator Peters.

During inclement weather it is always best to avoid travel if possible.  If you must drive,  “Know Before You Go,” especially in ice and snow with 511 – a new tool available to travelers in Maryland this winter.  Dial 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 from a land line or mobile phone for traffic, current weather reports and road conditions, including incidents, travel times and road closures.   With internet access, visit www.MD511.org, register with My511 to customize your reports for your most frequent routes and areas of interest.

Just as SHA moves up preparations for winter, drivers should do so as well.  SHA advises Marylanders to pack “winter survival kits.”

·         Check tire pressure.

 Check tire inflation pressures because air contracts as temperatures get colder. For every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in outside temperature, tire inflation pressure changes about one psi.

·         Check car fluids

·         Keep an extra mobile phone charger and/or charged extra batteries in the vehicle

·         Stock a flash light and extra batteries

·         Keep a bag of road salt, sand and/or cat litter in the trunk

·         Keep jumper cables handy

·         Put a small shovel in the vehicle

·         Have a basic tool kit and flares/road reflectors

Truckers can also make use of certain park and ride lots that can accommodate large trucks in the event the snow storm reaches six inches or more instead of parking along highway ramps and shoulders.  This brings the total truck parking options during a storm to 45 across the State. A new “mobile app” that gives truckers an easy way to navigate to these six new lots and to existing truck parking can be found on SHA’s web site (www.roads.maryland.gov)  and click on the truck icon in the upper right corner.