Winter Weather Affecting Transportation In Md., Entire Northeast

BALTIMORE (WJZ) - A wet and wintry mix is causing problems for travelers throughout Maryland.

BWI airport is warning travelers that widespread flight cancellations are expected today.

According to their Twitter account, some airline flights are operating on time this morning, but those are very limited. They are suggesting those trying to fly today contact their airlines for flight status information ahead of going to the airport.

TSA officials also suggest those traveling allow extra time for security screening due to possible long lines. They recommend passengers arrive two hours prior to departures.

Amtrak will operate a modified schedule in the Northeast region on today due to the storm. Passengers holding reservations are strongly encouraged to monitor conditions and make any necessary changes in advance of their scheduled departure using Amtrak.com.

The Northeast Regional service between New York City and Boston and Empire Service between New York City and Albany, N.Y., are suspended until further notice. The Acela Express and Northeast Regional service that operate between New York City and Washington, D.C., will run on a modified schedule, with some trains truncated or cancelled, including some trains that operate in Virginia.

Some long distance trains that normally travel to and from the Northeast Corridor will also be affected, with service suspended between Albany/Rensselaer and Boston, and between Pittsburgh and D.C.

The MTA has also announced some closures today. There will be no MTA commuter bus service, and the MARC commuter trains will be operating on the "R" schedule.  

Maryland Light rail service has been suspended for the day. Shuttle buses are at every stop except Westport due to icy conditions.

Meanwhile, the Baltimore City Department of Transportation announced that Snow Emergency Plan Phase 1 is in effect.

This means cars driving on the roads must have snow chains or all weather tires. This is to help reduce the risk of accidents, Maryland State Police have seen plenty during the storm. Police say they have responded to 101 crashes and assisted 60 disabled vehicles between 10 p.m. Monday and 7 a.m. Tuesday. No fatalities or serious injuries were reported.

Department of Public Works officials have also cancelled trash, recycling and bulk pickups this morning. Makeup collection will be this Saturday, March 18.

The State Highway Patrol has nearly 500 workers throughout 11 locations in Maryland trying to clear the roadways
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