The county’s Department of Transportation is asking residents to stay off the roads and avoid travel as crews work to clear roads after a winter storm dumped up to 8 inches of snow on the area.
“The region’s first winter storm continues to make travel difficult,” reads a county press release. “A Winter Storm Warning is still in effect for Montgomery County until 4 p.m. today. Snow was slow to start, but began coming down swiftly once daylight hit. Snow has accumulated up to six inches in the down county areas, with up to four inches in the upper county.
“Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) crews have finished plowing and salting primary roads and are now beginning to plow residential streets. Tree crews have been dispatched to numerous reports of downed trees. The Storm Operations Center (SOC) will remain activated to address conditions as necessary. Residents can visit the County’s Snow Portal for up-to-date snow-clearing information.
“With freezing temperatures, and snow operations underway, road travel is hazardous at this time. MCDOT is asking that residents stay off roadways unless travel is absolutely necessary. Residents who must travel are asked to go slow and keep a flashlight, blanket, food and water in the vehicle in case of an emergency.
“County Ride On bus operations are running on a regular schedule, but are experiencing significant weather-related delays and detours. Riders can check the Ride On Real Time website for bus times and the website for service interruptions.
“MCDOT has seven regional depots that are responsible for clearing snow along 220 different plow routes on more than 5,200 lane miles of County roads. The Maryland State Highway Administration clears all State roads in the County designated by numbers.
“More information about snow removal including who plows specific streets, snow-removal status and service requests is available online here.
“Sign up for Montgomery County Alert Montgomery to receive emergency information, event updates, warnings and instructions directly to your email or device.
“For department updates, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, visit the department website at montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, and subscribe to MCDOT’s ‘Go Montgomery!’ newsletter.”
Photo: © tainar/Adobe Stock
*Afternoon Commuters*@MCDOTNow crews are plowing / salting primary roads and will begin residential plowing after that process is completed.
Please drive with extreme caution as slippery conditions exist throughout the region and downed trees have been reported. #MDTraffic pic.twitter.com/Oe2cFprNDT
— mococommuter (@mococommuter) January 3, 2022