BALTIMORE — City streets and state roadways are primed for Monday's snowfall. According to local models, there could be some accumulation in Maryland.
Between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. we will see snow arriving with sleet mixing in.
We will see snow arriving and sleet mixing in from southwest to northeast between 6 to 9 p.m. in Baltimore and Baltimore County. We could also see little bursts of sleet mixed in initially.
"Our crews have been preparing since the start of the weekend," said Shanteé Felix, Assistant Media Relations Manager for the Maryland Department of Transportation. "Our crews have been in constant communications and right now we're monitoring the weather."
Crews at both the state and local levels spent a portion of Monday loading up their salt trucks.
"Over the weekend we pretreated the roads," said Felix. "What that means is we went out on the road and we treated it combination of salt and Brian and what that does is it keeps the roadway from slippery in this wet winter weather event."
Once the snow begins to fall, MDOT said it will deploy resources that include up to 387,000 tons of rock salt and 2,700 pieces of equipment statewide.
If possible, motorists are advised to avoid travel during this weather event. MDOT SHA advises anyone who must travel to take the following precautions:
- Take it slow on ice and snow - Drive slower than usual. Posted speed limits are for ideal weather conditions
- Don’t crowd the plow - Please give snow plows a wide berth on all sides
- Elevated road surfaces such as bridges, ramps and overpasses freeze first - Remain extra vigilant
Marylanders who spoke to WMAR-2 News said they're ready for whatever Mother Nature throws our way.
"I just bought a 50 pound bag of ice melt," said Matt Piron. "This is for my restaurant so I can make sure everyone is safe."
Officials are asking people to stay off the roads and at home if they don't need to be out.
While a period of snow is predicted, it is expected to change over to freezing rain by midnight Tuesday. Since cold air chilled the roads over the weekend, slick roads and hazardous traveling conditions are expected Monday night into Tuesday morning.
