Snow Causes Headaches Around The Region

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The snow came and went but left a lot for both Baltimore County and City crews to clean up.

Marcus Washington has more on the clean-up and conditions.

Things are looking better now, but the early morning commute was not easy for anyone out on the roads---or people clearing their cars and sidewalks.

The end of 10-plus hours of constant snowfall left people shoveling and whipping the snow away on Tuesday.

"It's as good as it's going to get," said Monica Baker.

The commute didn't fare any better for some after the roads were mostly clear.

"I would enjoy it more if I didn't have to go to work," said one.

But some people took the day in stride.

"Just doing errands and things, did my shoveling, but it's not bad at all," said Elaine Shugarman. "We're not in Boston."

Most of the people out are trying to clear both their sidewalks and cars. WJZ found a group of boys trying to make a little money and do the hard work for those who'd rather stay inside.

"A lot of snow out here but no one wants to answer their doors, though," said Noah Hassan.

If there is anything good about this snowfall, it's that it's more of a powdery substance, making it easier to shovel or sweep away---but as soon as the sun is out, that snow will turn into slush and, as temperatures drop even more, to ice...making it dangerous for anyone out.

"It's light and fluffy so it's easy to come off," said Roy Palmer.

In Pikesville, Roy Palmer says what was set to be his snow day from work became a work day after all.

"I have two more cars to go back there---my wife's car and also my son's car. They both have to work so I am out here trying to get some things done," he said.

And as for Synquai Johnson, getting up three hours early and taking two buses is how she's getting to work.

"I just bundle up. I have five layers on. It may not look like it but I have five layers on," Johnson said.

But as hard as it was for people in Baltimore, it was even worse in other parts of the state.

Rick Ritter has more on conditions elsewhere.

Most main roads are clear; drivers are getting around as normal but the side roads are creating a problem with plenty of slick spots.

On Tuesday, it started with an early morning dig-out in Howard County as Mother Nature blasted Maryland with a winter storm.

Along 97 Tuesday morning, several cars were pulled over and some stalled out.

Dozens of snow and salt trucks were out and about in Anne Arundel County, working hard to improve the conditions.

"As of Tuesday morning, we consumed about 2,000 tons of salt. While the major roads are in good shape, it's the secondary roads that aren't in good shape," said Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh.

Despite the sun coming out Tuesday, it took hours for the salt to do its job because of cold temperatures.

"Any little progress we made because it was so cold, it quickly became a slushy mess on the roads," said Charlie Gischlar, Maryland State Highway Administration.

In Annapolis, Midshipmen with the Naval Academy helped many dig out downtown.

"It's great to wake up and help the community," one said.

Side streets with slick roads were a mess, leaving businesses with JP Towing Company with plenty of accidents to handle in the early morning hours.

"We probably had about 12 accidents. The salt just isn't doing its job," said Kyle Leapley, JP Towing Company.

Along the Eastern Shore, there was one inch too many---a wakeup call for some.

"Kent Island got six inches; Centreville eight to 10 inches," said Jeff Kiel.

"It's a change from us. We came from the desert part of California so we didn't shovel snow; we shoveled dirt," said Kristin Martin.

And now Marylanders are gearing up for even colder temperatures in the days ahead.

"We're supposed to get really cold temperatures once again so we just want to stress to drivers anything that looks wet, assume it's black ice," Gischlar said.

Crews say they used a ton of salt just in Baltimore City but they add that they have plenty if they need more.