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Winter Storm Causing Travel Headaches For Many Marylanders

LINTHICUM, Md. (WJZ) -- A major winter storm moves into Maryland.

Christie Ileto has more on the impact the weather is having on travel.

Snowflakes are slamming Baltimore Wednesday night. But before the first flake fell, threatening storms snarl travel for many Marylanders trying to get ahead of what could be the most snow we've seen in four years.

"I had one at 1:55 that leaves at 8:55 supposedly," James Pendleton said.

Major delays at BWI. Pendleton is trying to get home to Kentucky.

"You can only call so many people or sit here for so long until you're like, 'It's the end of it,'" he said.

By nightfall, more than 3,300 flights are delayed nationwide--BWI even tweeting most incoming flights are canceled for the night.

More than 350 staff and contractors on the tarmac have been preparing to keep the runways clear with what officials say is the biggest snow blower in the U.S., moving 7,500 tons of snow an hour.

"It could take us another eight hours before we have the place cleaned up to our satisfaction," said Wayne Pennell, BWI operations.

"I was to fly out on Friday and I switched my flight out yesterday," said David Hester.

Over at Penn Station...

"Thank goodness my train is not canceled yet," one traveler said.

But as a precaution, Amtrak suspends some service from New York to south of Washington.

Related Story: First Flakes Falling In What Could Be Biggest Storm Of Season

Travelers need to check ahead before leaving.

"There's the potential for downed tree limbs to fall on the tracks and we've got to make sure we clear the tracks so the trains can move," said Kimberly Woods, Amtrak.

Meanwhile, MTA officials also warn bus and light rail schedules will see delays as snow continues to hammer Baltimore.

"We just urge riders to please be careful and to please allow extra time to travel," said Paulette Austrich, MTA.

Officials warn, if you're traveling Thursday, whatever delays happened Wednesday evening will likely carry over.

There will be no MARC train or Commuter Bus service Thursday.

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