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Winter Storm May Impact Md.Travel On Land & In Air

BALTIMORE (WJZ)— Travel by air and land may be affected by the threat of severe weather Tuesday night into Wednesday. BWI Marshall Airport and the Maryland Transportation Authority are making preparations.

The MDTA, whose facilities include four bridges, two tunnels, two turnpikes and its approach roadways, has 258 pieces of equipment and more than 36,000 tons of salt available.

The MDTA has no immediate plans to close any toll facilities in anticipation of the storm, and any decision to close a toll facility would be based upon current weather and road conditions at a given facility.

Meanwhile, BWI Marshall Airport reminds travelers that airlines often cancel flights before or during heavy winter storms.

BWI Marshall Airport strongly recommends that travelers check with their airline for current flight information before heading to the airport.

"BWI Marshall Airport is working to plan and prepare for a potentially significant winter storm," said Paul J. Wiedefeld, executive director of the Maryland Aviation Administration.  "We will have employees working throughout the expected winter weather to help ensure safe operations for travelers and airline partners."

Should the predicted storm materialize, BWI Marshall Airport will initiate a full weather recall for emergency and essential staff.  Snow-removal crews, both airport employees and contractors, will be activated.  The snow teams will work to remove snow and ice from airport runways, taxiways, and ramp areas, as well as public roadways, parking lots and sidewalks.

With a potentially significant snowfall expected, BWI Marshall Airport customers should consider utilizing covered parking in either the daily garage or the hourly garage.

Both BWI Marshall and MDTA encourage travelers to know before you go.

Airport travelers can monitor flight cancellations at www.BWIairport.com.  Follow the MDTA at twitter.com @TheMDTA and facebook.com/TheMDTA for the most up-to-date information. For Bay Bridge traffic conditions 24/7, call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) or go to baybridge.com to view live traffic images and to sign up for email alerts. For statewide travel conditions,  go to MD511.ORG or call 511.

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