Harford County Executive Declares Local State of Emergency; Schools Closed, Fire Stations Available as Warming Centers

From Harford County Public Schools:

Due to the inclement weather and impending second wave of snow this evening, Harford County Public Schools will be closed tomorrow
Friday, February 14, 2014, Code Green. Essential Personnel should report at 10:00 am.

From Harford County government:

Harford County Government Opening at 10:00 a.m. Friday

Harford County Government will open for business at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 14, 2014 due to inclement weather and hazardous driving conditions. Liberal leave for county employees is also in effect for Friday.

Harford Transit Link bus service will also be delayed and open at 11:00 a.m. Friday.

From Harford County government:

Good Morning, this is Emergency Manager Rick Ayers with a winter storm update. Harford County Executive David Craig has declared a local State of Emergency. The county has received up to a foot of heavy wet snow in the Southern part of Harford County and up to 18 inches of snow in the Northern sections of the County. During the day we can expect some periods of little precipitation before a second round of snow impacts the county later this afternoon and evening when we could receive an additional 2 to 4 inches. DPW and State Highways have all available man-power and equipment working to clear the roads; however, the recovery from this storm will most likely go into Saturday. There is also the possibility of snow Friday afternoon and evening that will hinder the recovery effort. This afternoon we could see wind gusts up to 40 mph and therefore we could expect several power outages as well. As a reminder ceratin fire houses in the county have been opened as warming centers. If you need additional information the Harford County Hotline has been activated and that number is 410-838-5800. Thanks and Be Safe

From Harford County government:

The Harford County volunteer fire and EMS service is assisting the Harford County Department of Emergency Services by providing temporary “Warming Centers” to citizens in need. A total of 18 volunteer fire stations throughout Harford County are available today to assist those who have lost power and need some relief from the cold.

The volunteer fire companies and stations which are open and available to the public are as follows:

• Level Volunteer Fire Company
3633 Level Village Road
Havre de Grace, Maryland

• Aberdeen Fire Department
House 1 – 21 N. Rogers Street
House 4 – Perryman Road
Aberdeen, Maryland

• Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company
Main Station – 109 S. Hickory Avenue – Bel Air
Forest Hill Station – 27 East Jarrettsville Road – Forest Hill
Patterson Mill Substation – 1 Patterson Mill Road – Bel Air

• Abingdon Volunteer Fire Company
House 1 – 3306 Abingdon Road – Abingdon
House 3 – 3301 Willoughby Beach Road – Abingdon

• Susquehanna Hose Company
House 4 – 911 Revolution Street
Havre de Grace, Maryland

• Havre de Grace Ambulance Corp
1601 Level Road
Havre de Grace, Maryland

• Whiteford Volunteer Fire Company
1407 Pylesville Road
Whiteford, Maryland

• Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company
House 1 – 3825 Federal Hill Road (Crossgate Court)
Jarrettsville, Maryland

House 2 – 4352 Norrisville Road
White Hall, Maryland

• Joppa- Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company
House 1 – 1403 Old Mountain Road
Joppa, Maryland

• Darlington Volunteer Fire Company
House 1 – 2600 Castleton Road
Darlington, Maryland

House 2 – 1520 Whiteford Road
Street, Maryland

• Norrisville Volunteer Fire Company
2134 Harkins Road
Pylesville, Maryland

• Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company
2201 Carrs Mill Road
Fallston, Maryland

The fire stations are not shelters, but rather “Warming Centers” providing temporary relief for those without power or heat.

Commenting on the assistance provided by the volunteer fire service, Russell J. Strickland, Director of the Department of Emergency Services said, “On behalf of County Executive David R. Craig we want to thank our county’s volunteer fire service for their assistance during this severe weather event. Our volunteers are always ready to assist those in need in our community and we are grateful for their service and generosity”.

The Department of Emergency Services is activated at Level II staffing and will remain operational throughout the duration of the latest winter storm. The County “Hot-Line” 410-838-5800 is also operational. Those with non-emergency storm related inquiries are asked to call the “Hot-Line” and refrain from calling 911 unless they have a true emergency.

From the Maryland State Highway Administration:

SECOND WAVE OF SNOW ON ITS WAY

More Snow and Possible Freezing Concern for Travelers – State Highway Crews Respond to Thursday Evening Weather and Advise Would-be Drivers to Stay Home

(February 13, 2014) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) reminds all travelers that more snow is on the way. According to weather forecasts, additional accumulation is expected later this afternoon and evening, with temperatures dropping and creating icy conditions. SHA continues to track the second part of the storm from its Statewide Operations Center. Operators are continually monitoring traffic management cameras and pavement sensors, which help determine areas were additional plowing and salting is needed.

“The next wave of snow, as well as thunder and lightning, has hit some areas so drivers should remain alert for changing conditions,” said Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “Delaying travel is the best way to avoid being stranded. Many drivers heeded the warning and that has helped SHA with its operations. However crews will work on ramps, intersections and shoulders through the night.”

Emergency truck parking is available by using the downloadable application on SHA’s website –www.roads.maryland.gov, connecting truckers to ridesharing locations across the State. Low temperatures and wet snow also increases the chance of slick roads, fallen trees, darkened signals and downed power lines. Driver should also remain alert when turning at intersections and look out for pedestrians.