From Harford County Public Schools:
Harford County Public Schools Closed Tuesday
HCPS will now be CLOSED today, Tues., Dec. 10, employees CODE GREEN. Essential personnel should await further instruction from their supervisor prior to reporting for duty.
From Harford County government:
HARFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENT CLOSED/COUNCIL MEETING CANCELLED TUESDAY
Due to the impending winter storm, Harford County Government will be CLOSED today, Tuesday, December 10, 2013. Additionally the Harford County Council meeting scheduled for this evening has been cancelled.
From Harford County government:
Good Evening, this is Emergency Manager Rick Ayers with a weather update. Harford County is monitoring another storm system that could impact Harford County during the morning rush hour Tuesday. At this time, the NWS is predicting at least 3 to 6 inches of snow for Harford County and the snow should start between 6 and 9 AM. At times, we could expect snow to fall more than 1 inch per hour, making driving conditions hazardous. Behind this storm will be very cold arctic air which will be felt for the remainder of the week. The EOC (Emergency Operations Center) will be activated to monitor the situation. Thanks, and be safe.
From Harford County government:
Harford County is slowly returning to a state of normalcy, just ahead of a second storm expected to bring more snow and ice to the county. A wintry mix of snow and ice blasted Harford County Sunday, resulting in dozens of motor vehicle accidents and snarled traffic.
During the period of 8:00 a.m. Sunday, December 8 through 8:00 Monday, December 9, the Harford County Department of Emergency Services 911 Center dispatched 388 calls for service. Those emergency calls included numerous motor vehicle accidents, as well as fire and EMS incidents throughout the county.
The Harford County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activated at approximately 11:30 a.m. Sunday to Level 2, which included emergency management staff, law enforcement, fire and EMS and Department of Public Works, Division of Highways. The EOC remained staffed throughout the night before ceasing operations at approximately 8:00 a.m. Monday.
Harford County Emergency Manager Rick Ayers is closely monitoring the National Weather Service and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency regarding a second storm front that may impact the county Tuesday. The Harford County EOC may reactivate if necessary should weather conditions deteriorate.
The total number of BGE and Delmarva customers without power in Harford County as of 8:00 Monday morning was 2,896. Downed wires due to icing was the primary cause for the reported power outages. As of 4:00 p.m. Monday the number of power outages had been reduced to approximately 400 countywide.
“The winter mix of snow and ice definitely impacted traffic and holiday shoppers this weekend,” said Emergency Manager Rick Ayers. “Our concern now is for the possibility of more snow and ice which may develop during the next 24 hours, and lead to more accidents, injuries and electrical outages,” Ayers said.
From the Maryland State Police:
STATE POLICE URGE CAUTION WITH PENDING SNOW STORM
Maryland State Police along with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, State Highway Administration and other local agencies are urging motorists to use caution if they have to travel during the pending snow storm.
Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police has directed barrack commanders across the state to be prepared to survey road conditions in their areas and deploy personnel as needed. Colonel Brown also urges motorists to be cautious when traveling due to the possible hazardous conditions that may arise from the pending snow event.
During snow storms, abandoned and disabled vehicles cause a major problem for snow removal equipment and for troopers responding to emergency situations. Troopers encourage those who do not need to travel during the storm to stay off the roads.
If motorists find it necessary to travel during this event, they are reminded of the highway restrictions should a snow emergency plan go into effect. Once in effect, parking is prohibited on any street or road designated as a snow emergency route. All vehicles are required to have approved mud and snow tires or chains while operating during a declared snow emergency. All abandoned or unattended vehicles will be towed from major roadways.
In the event of power failure, traffic lights may not function properly. In that case, the law requires all drivers approaching an intersection with a non functioning traffic light to stop. Drivers may proceed only after they have yielded to any vehicles or pedestrians already in the intersection. They must remain stopped until the intersection is clear and safe to proceed.
For the latest statewide emergency information, citizens are urged to visit the Maryland Emergency Management Agency website at www.mema.state.md.us. Up to the minute statewide traffic information, including road closures due to snow or ice is available on-line at www.511md.org, or by calling 511. Road conditions and views of live traffic cameras are also available on the State Highway Administration website at www.roads.maryland.gov.
Citizens are advised not to call Maryland State Police barracks simply to check on road conditions. Calls to police or 911 centers during the storm should be for emergency situations only.
Maryland State Police will be working closely with State Highway Administration and Maryland Emergency Management Agency officials throughout the storm. Marylanders are urged not to travel during the storm unless absolutely necessary.
Thank you Old Man Winter for the extended weekend.
Mmmhmmm, I sure wish Harford County comutes were like today, and yesterday. All the more important than me people stayed home, no school so the cheese wagons and all the parents playing taxi driver were off the roads. People that were out, very few, were driving the speed limit, or slightly below. I love it, keep the snow coming.
The only thing I have to worry about are those little jelly bean cars that can’t drive in snow.