Roads Slick, Power Outages Possible As Winter Hits Region Again
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- State Highway and MdTA crews are treating the roads as we deal with another round of winter weather.
The First Warning Weather Team is monitoring conditions and will have the latest forecast at 6:30 and 11.
LATEST FORECAST: Blast Of Winter Brings Snow, Sleet, & Freezing Rain For Sunday
The road temperatures are below freezing, which means that snow and ice are more likely to accumulate.
Ice and freezing rain could also affect power lines and cause power outages.
All customers, even those with smart meters, are reminded to report power outages from mobile phones and devices through the mobile website at bge.com or by calling 877.778.2222. An enhanced power outage map is also available through the mobile and full websites, and provides general location and status of current electric power outages in BGE's service area. Customers can view affected area(s), the number of customers affected by an outage, estimated time of restoration, if available, and the status of the field crew assigned to repair the issue.
"Just as BGE prepares in advance of forecasted winter weather, we thank our customers for preparing for today's winter storm in advance as well," said Rob Biagiotti, vice president and chief customer officer for BGE. "BGE has crews strategically positioned throughout our entire service area, poised to respond to weather-related power outages quickly and safely, should they occur. Hazardous road conditions may sometimes delay our crews' travel and arrival times, which could extend restoration times. We remind customers to report down wires and outages by calling BGE via our automated phone system at 877.778.2222 or with a mobile device at bge.com."
Accumulating ice can cause extensive damage to trees and electric delivery equipment. Removing tree debris is a labor and time-intensive process, which must be completed before BGE crews can begin working on repairs and can extend the duration of certain outages.
Roads will be salted and potentially plowed, depending on the amount of snowfall, but drivers need to be aware that the roads may be slick, especially during times of sleet and freezing rain.
"Today's storm is predicted to change from snow to sleet and freezing rain so road conditions could vary from place to place," said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. "Ice accumulation is a concern with this storm. Please either delay travel or if you must go out, be sure you and your vehicle can manage in adverse conditions and allow extra time to get to your destination. It is important to keep in mind that ice is challenging no matter what kind of vehicle you drive."
In addition to staying off the roads and monitoring the weather and power outages, residents should take the following actions:
• Keep devices charged so you will have a way follow weather forecasts and local emergency information.
• Be cautious shoveling snow to avoid overexertion. Take frequent breaks and keep hydrated.
• If you must travel, make sure to have a car chargers, kitty litter or sand for traction, and extra drinks and snacks in case you get stuck in traffic.
• Let friends or family know of your travel route and expected arrival times.
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