{"id":5046,"date":"2016-01-23T13:32:22","date_gmt":"2016-01-23T18:32:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mema\/?p=5046"},"modified":"2016-02-08T14:35:36","modified_gmt":"2016-02-08T19:35:36","slug":"marylanders-urged-to-continue-to-stay-off-roads-prepare-for-power-outages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mdem\/2016\/01\/23\/marylanders-urged-to-continue-to-stay-off-roads-prepare-for-power-outages\/","title":{"rendered":"Marylanders Urged to Continue to Stay Off Roads, Prepare for Power Outages"},"content":{"rendered":"

MARYLANDERS URGED TO CONTINUE TO STAY OFF ROADS TO HELP PLOWING CREWS, PREPARE FOR POSSIBLE POWER OUTAGES<\/strong><\/p>\n

MEMA CONTINUES TO COORDINATE RESOURCES, ASSIST LOCAL JURISDICTIONS<\/strong><\/p>\n

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (January 23, 2016) \u2014<\/strong> Snow continues to fall throughout Maryland and wind gusts have picked up in some areas of the state. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency urges residents to stay off the roads so highway crews can continue plowing operations.<\/p>\n

As of noon, power outage numbers remained relatively low in Maryland, with less than 1,500 customers without power statewide after spiking to approximately 10,000 early Saturday morning. However, as strong winds and heavy snowfall continues, residents are urged to keep cell phones, tablets and other devices charged and be prepared for possible extended power outages.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to thank Marylanders for the common sense they have shown thus far,\u201d said Governor Larry Hogan. \u201cI want to urge people to continue to stay off of the roads unless travel is absolutely essential. It is still very dangerous out there and stalled and abandoned vehicles make it that much harder for snow plow operators. Your safety is our top priority.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you must drive, please stay far back from snow plows. While it may be inconvenient to be stuck behind a snow plow or a multi-unit snowplow \u201ctrain,\u201d trying to pass is dangerous and the roads in front of the plows will be snow covered.<\/p>\n

The strong winds also could create some coastal flooding issues along the Atlantic coast and portions of the lower Chesapeake Bay. Residents are urged to follow trusted local weather forecasters to get updates on conditions in their area.<\/p>\n

\u201cI cannot stress enough the need to check on the welfare of relatives, friends and neighbors who are vulnerable,\u201d said MEMA Executive Director Russ Strickland. \u201cWe still have at least 12 hours of storm conditions ahead of us. The best way to get through this is if we all work together and communicate.\u201d<\/p>\n

MEMA continues to coordinate the use of State resources in support of local emergency managers and first responders across the state. The Maryland National Guard is working in many counties in Maryland to help law enforcement and emergency medical personnel to respond in high-clearance vehicles.<\/p>\n

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