{"id":4450,"date":"2016-01-22T12:16:14","date_gmt":"2016-01-22T17:16:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mema\/?p=4450"},"modified":"2016-02-08T14:36:37","modified_gmt":"2016-02-08T19:36:37","slug":"motorists-urged-to-stay-off-roads-friday-afternoon-and-make-preparations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mdem\/2016\/01\/22\/motorists-urged-to-stay-off-roads-friday-afternoon-and-make-preparations\/","title":{"rendered":"Motorists Urged to Stay Off Roads Friday Afternoon and Make Preparations"},"content":{"rendered":"

MOTORISTS URGED TO STAY OFF ROADS FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND MAKE PREPARATIONS AS SEVERE WINTER STORM APPROACHES MARYLAND<\/b><\/p>\n

MEMA IS ACTIVELY COORDINATING RESOURCES AHEAD OF POTENTIAL BLIZZARD CONDITIONS<\/b><\/p>\n

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (January 22, 2016) \u2014<\/b> A high-impact winter storm continues to head directly towards Maryland. Snowfall is expected to start early Friday afternoon in parts of the State and the National Weather Service predicts that the height of the storm will begin soon after the snow\u2019s onset. Areas of Maryland could experience blizzard conditions that include wind gusts and blowing snow. Motorists are urged to stay off the roads as soon as snowfall begins if at all possible. Driving will be hazardous almost immediately after the storm\u2019s onset due to the fast rate of snowfall.<\/p>\n

Governor Larry Hogan has signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency in order to activate and coordinate all available State resources. A state of emergency is also an indicator to residents that this will be a significant winter storm and that they should take precautions.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow is the time for Marylanders to stay at home and off the roads,\u201d said Governor Larry Hogan. \u201cThis is the safe choice. It will also allow emergency services vehicles to maneuver and road crews to begin the long process of clearing highways and streets.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency has been coordinating resources in order to manage incidents that could arise due to the storm. This includes working with local officials to mobilize high-clearance vehicles, emergency supplies, and personnel in areas and communities that could be affected most by the storm.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis heavy, wet snow coupled with windy conditions could create additional problems, such as towering snow banks and power outages,\u201d said MEMA Executive Director Russell Strickland. \u201cThe public also has a part to play in storm preparedness and safety. It is essential that residents be prepared to shelter in their homes, charge all communications devices now, and check on family and friends throughout this snowstorm.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to staying off the roads and monitoring the weather and power outages, residents should take the following actions:<\/p>\n