SHA Crews Responding To Sleet, Snow Across Central & Western Maryland

BALTIMORE (WJZ) – Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) crews are currently responding to a wintry mix of snow, freezing rain and sleet across central and western Maryland.

"SHA crews have been out since prior to this morning's rush hour and are responding accordingly based on conditions," said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters.  "We ask motorists to keep their speeds down as lighter traffic can also result in increased travel speeds.  Conditions can change rapidly within just a few miles and we ask motorists to exercise extreme caution today."

Motorists traveling toward Western Maryland and points further west should expect higher amount of snow and should plan accordingly, leaving plenty of extra time and making sure to have a full tank of gas as conditions will be much worse as you travel north or west.

If your vehicle does become disabled, make every effort to move it from the travel lane and onto the shoulder.  Stay tuned to radio traffic reports for the most up-to-date information.  Don't forget - Never pass a snow plow or snow plow train.  The safest place to be is safely behind the plows, which are clearing the roads ahead.

SHA also says drivers should always have an emergency survival kit to include a shovel,  jumper cables, snacks, blanket or sleeping bag,  flashlight with extra batteries, high calorie non-perishable food,  first aid kit,  extra clothes, bottled water, a charged cell phone and kitty litter or other abrasives.

Remember to buckle up and "Take It Slow on Ice and Snow."  Before leaving the office or home, log onto www.roads.maryland.gov and click the CHART icon for the latest road conditions, live traffic cameras and a variety of information to help with travel decisions and planning.  Citizens can also follow SHA on Twitter @MDSHA and on Facebook.

A new FREE service this year is the "511 Traveler Information" system.  To Know Before You Go! simply dial 511 from a land line or mobile phone for traffic, weather alerts and road conditions.   For internet access, go to www.MD511.org.  While there, register with My511 to customize your reports on your most frequent routes and areas of interest.