January 7th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

Governor Larry Hogan today provided an update on the state’s response to this week’s second winter storm.

“After heavy snow again blanketed the region, we are able to report no significant road issues or other major impacts from overnight,” said Governor Hogan. “I want to thank all of the crews, police, and first responders who worked around the clock to keep people safe and keep the roads clear.”

Interstates and major routes are in good condition due to State Highway Administration (SHA) crews proactively pre-treating roads, along with residual salt on the pavement from the last storm and clearing of roadways as soon as the snow began. While the storm has moved out of the state, current wind gusts, sun glare, and freezing temperatures will continue to be a challenge. Marylanders can visit md511.org for travel updates. 

Ongoing Agency Operations:

Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM)

• MDEM reports there are no unmet needs or resource requests from local jurisdictions, and is monitoring the next potential winter storm threat for freezing rain west of I-95 on Sunday.
• MDEM is encouraging all residents and visitors to sign up for the free MdReady text alert program by texting MdReady—or MdListo for Spanish texts—to 211MD1 (211631).

Maryland State Police (MSP)

• From last night through this morning, MSP responded to 55 crashes, 67 disabled or unattended vehicles, and answered 370 calls for service. 
• MSP will continue to monitor road conditions closely and will implement snow emergency plans where needed.
• Troopers will continue to work with SHA’s Coordinated Highway Action Response Team and tow companies throughout the state where needed to remove abandoned vehicles so that snow removal operations can be effectively conducted.

Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT)

• MDOT Secretary Greg Slater has declared a five-day transportation emergency waiving maximum hours of service time limits and certain weight limits on Maryland roads to facilitate the transportation of all fuel products and storm-related supplies and materials. The Declaration of Transportation Emergency and Commercial Motor Vehicle Regulation Waiver is effective 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 7 until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 11.

Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) 

• MDTA crews are treating roads and plowing shoulders where needed along the state’s toll bridges, tunnels, and highways. MDTA Police responded to four disabled vehicles and five crashes since last night. Drivers are urged to MOVE OVER or SLOW DOWN for emergency vehicles and state crews.
• Anticipate bridge wind warnings or restrictions as wind speeds pick up throughout the day. For 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic updates, call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726).
• DriveEzMD’s E-ZPass Maryland in-person Customer Service Centers and call center opened at 10 a.m. Tolling customers also can use self-serve options 24/7 by calling 1-888-321-6824 or visiting DriveEzMD.com.
• The I-95 Maryland House and Chesapeake House Travel Plazas are open to serve drivers who travel today.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI Marshall Airport)

• The BWI Marshall Airport winter weather team remains at work this morning, clearing the airfield for airline operations and treating pavement surfaces to prevent freezing. Public parking and roadways have been plowed and treated. 
• Some airline flight cancellations are expected throughout the day, particularly in the morning hours. Flight tracking services show 89 airline cancellations as of 10 a.m. Passengers with travel plans today should contact their airlines for updated flight status information. 

Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) 

• MTA’s bus division is operating on a normal service schedule and MARC Train Service is operating on an Enhanced R schedule. Commuter Bus will operate on an S schedule. 
• The agency is prepared to implement weather-related diversions and storm response crews are prepared to respond to any issues. 
• MTA is actively communicating all schedule changes and delays to riders through service alerts, social media, and Transit Information Contact Center.

Maryland Department of General Services (DGS)

• All state office buildings, sidewalks, and parking areas are being treated and cleared of snow.
• DGS is ready to coordinate with our fellow state agencies to provide access to any vehicles in the DGS fleet or in other state agency fleets, including any trucks or four-wheel drive vehicles, for usage by local or state agencies whose fleet may have been negatively affected by the storm.
• DGS communicated with Carroll Fuels to top off all priority refueling sites around the state including sites for MSP, MDTA, MTA, and SHA. All state refueling sites are open as usual for refueling.

Maryland Department of Health (MDH)

• The following state-run COVID-19 testing and vaccine sites are operating from noon to 6 p.m. today: 
  • Anne Arundel County: Anne Arundel Medical Center
  • Baltimore City: Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
  • Harford County: UM Upper Chesapeake Health
  • Prince George’s County: City of Praise Family Ministries
  • Prince George’s County: UM Laurel Alternate Care Site Testing Site

NOTE: The State Center testing and vaccination site at 300 Preston St in Baltimore City will open as scheduled for testing, by appointment only. The Annapolis site at Calvert and Bladen streets is closed today.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

• DNR is monitoring weather and road conditions, and reporting closures or delayed opening of several state parks as appropriate. Patrons should check the DNR website and social media for updates. 
• DNR crews are working to plow access roads and clear snow—fueling four-wheel drive vehicles, mounting plows and other heavy equipment, and staging them at accessible locations—as needed at state parks, forests, wildlife management areas, and other public lands.
• The Maryland Natural Resources Police are prepared to respond to any maritime emergencies and assist allied agencies in accidents that occur both on land and water.