BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Transportation officials began preparing over the weekend for whatever winter weather the state will see Monday night and early Tuesday.
The Baltimore City Department of Transportation brined the roads over the weekend and said teams will be ready to treat roads again Monday.
READ MORE: U.S. Park Police Name Pamela Smith As New Chief, First Black Woman To Lead The Force“We started pre-treating the streets Sunday with salt brine solutions, major roadways and city gateways,” said German Vigil with the transportation department.
The city has 300 pieces of equipment, and the state has a total of 2,700.
“Our crews are ready,” said Sherry Christian with the Maryland Department of Transportation. “We just need to figure out what is going to be falling.”
As the storm moves through, transportation crews will be closely watching the forecast and road conditions.
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Officials stress to go slow if you have to drive Monday night or early Tuesday.
“Drive below the speed limit, be aware of clear ice… drive slow on bridges and ramps because they tend to freeze faster,” Vigil said.
By 9 p.m., state police said troopers responded to 31 crashes and 19 disabled vehicles in the past four hours.
From 5-9 pm @MDSP responded to 31 crashes and 19 disabled vehicles and answered 161 calls for service. Snow emergency plans are in effect in Washington, Frederick and Montgomery counties. Follow https://t.co/jxqlSYD4wc for updated road conditions pic.twitter.com/qiJ0nRGhQu
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A number of drivers WJZ spoke with Monday said they plan to hunker down to avoid being on the roads when they’ll be at the worst.
“I really just try to stock up on food, stay inside as much as possible,” said Clifton Crosby, Jr., a student in Baltimore County.
Crosby said he plans to “watch TV, a movie, play a game, just try to do as little going outside as possible.”
As the snow began to fall around 7 p.m., Baltimore County resident Eric Stephens said he was heading home to avoid the roads until the storm passes.
“I’m getting gas now so I can get off the roads because I think we have some more to come,” he said.
Officials also recommend drivers keep an emergency kit in their vehicles.
Stay up-to-date with the latest forecast by downloading the WJZ weather app.
MORE NEWS: Baltimore Mayor, Maryland Governor Clash After Hogan Says City Getting More Vaccines Than ‘Entitled To’ In Response To WJZ QuestionThis story was first published on January 24, 2021.
