Advertisement Snow intensifies, wind gusts get stronger as storm progresses State of Emergency in effect, 2 feet of snow could accumulate Share Shares Copy Link Copy

What We Know:*State of Emergency is in effect*Statewide snow emergency is in effect*Snow lasts through early Sunday morning*Impact: High (dangerous driving conditions, major travel delays)*Heavy snow likely -- many areas could see more than 12 inches*Possibility of some rain and sleet mixing in, particularly on Eastern ShoreBALTIMORE -- Be prepared to be snowed in for a couple days."We expect at least another foot to fall in the metro area," 11 Insta-Weather PLUS meteorologist Ava Marie said at 7 a.m. "We're getting into the strongest part of the storm."Snowfall rates of about 1 to 3 inches per hour were observed in the area.The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings and watches in Maryland, and a State of Emergency took effect at 7 a.m. Friday.Live Updates | Radar | Alerts | Weather Maps | Flight Delays | School Closings & Delays- Download the WBAL-TV app, get updates sent to your phone- Like 11 Insta-Weather PLUS on Facebook- Share your snow photos with 11 News!- Watch: Pet care in the snowThe blizzard warning took effect at 3 p.m. Friday and lasts at least through 7 a.m. Sunday for central and southern Maryland and parts of the Eastern Shore.VIDEO: Governor issues State of Emergency11 Insta-Weather PLUS Chief Meteorologist Tom Tasselmyer said a blizzard is defined as a snow storm that has sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or greater with snow or blowing snow reducing visibility to a quarter mile or less.Flurries began falling in the Baltimore area around 2:30 p.m. The snow got heavier during the evening hours and it will last through Saturday and end Sunday morning. Visibility will be reduced to near zero at times with whiteout conditions possible.Tasselmyer said the storm could bring as much as 1 to 2 feet of snow.The storm system came from the upper Pacific and tracked through the South before reforming over the coast and tracking northward.There's a potential that snow will mix with rain and sleet during the day Saturday in some areas, which accounts for the lower end of the range. How much snow the Eastern Shore will get is much more questionable, based on how much warm air comes in from the ocean, causing a mix of rain and snow.It is important to note that this forecast will constantly get adjusted as the storm gets closer and new data comes in.Snow emergency enactedMaryland transportation officials have declared a statewide snow emergency beginning noon Friday in preparation for a severe weather system.Here's what the emergency means to drivers:- Vehicles traveling on highways designated as snow emergency routes must be equipped with chains, snow tires or all season radials.- Special hauling permits for commercial vehicles are not valid- Maryland State Police can tow abandoned vehicles on the road or on the shoulder- Restricts all parking on designated snow emergency routesMore on the snow emergency hereBaltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said the city's emergency operations center has been activated, and Phase II of the city snow emergency plan takes effect at 6 p.m. That means all vehicles must have snow tires or all-weather radial tires or snow chains and parking is restricted on snow emergency routes.VIDEO: Baltimore mayor, Jayne talk snow preps"If you know you have a car that's not ready for the snow, don't take it out," Rawlings-Blake said.For free parking locations and more information about Baltimore's Phase II, click here.City officials are considering enacting Phase III of the snow plan, which bars all traffic except emergency vehicles. It could be imposed if it gets too dangerous to plow.The Charm City Circulator is shutting down at 7 p.m. Friday and there will be no weekend service.City police officers are working 12-hour shifts during the storm.Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman declared a state of emergency Friday night.MTA service reductions Friday, service suspended over weekendThe Maryland Transit Administration announced that there will be reduced transit services Friday, and all transit services will be suspended throughout the weekend.Local Bus- At 7 p.m. Friday, reduction of service begins- Phased recovery of service is expected to begin at 3 a.m. on Monday, based on road conditionsMetro Subway- Metro Subway service will be temporarily suspended beginning at 11 p.m. Friday, or earlier, depending on weather conditionsLight Rail- All Light Rail service will be reduced on FridayMobility/Paratransit- Customers will be notified that all reservations after 6 p.m. on Friday will be canceled.- The Reservations Department will be closed on Saturday- Reservations will resume operations at noon on Sunday and remain open until 6 p.m., an extra hourMARC Train- "S" schedule on all three lines for Friday with reduced serviceCommuter Bus- Will operate on a modified schedule on Friday- The AM schedule will operate as normal- The PM Schedule: Midday trips will operate as scheduled- All other routes will begin operating three hours early, except Route 305 trip 23, which will operate four hours earlySome school districts, universities/colleges change schedulesThe University of Maryland-College Park announced the campus will be closed Friday through Sunday.Towson University is closing Saturday and Sunday, and move-in is postponed until Monday. The university will be open Monday, but classes will be canceled. Classes will begin Tuesday.The U.S. Naval Academy closed at noon Friday and will remain closed Saturday.Check the latest school closings and delays here.Baltimore Gas and Electric is mobilized and is making precautions for the possibility of heavy, wet snow and high wind gusts that can bring down power lines. In addition to the company's 3,200 employees, BGE has about 900 more support contractors, construction and tree personnel. Customers who experience outages are asked to call BGE at 877-778-2222.State officials are also monitoring the storm updates."We've been on top of this storm for several days now, and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency has been up and running and tracking the storm. We've been in touch with the Department of Transportation, State Highway Administration, and everybody is geared up and preparing," Gov. Larry Hogan told WBAL NewsRadio 1090 AM Wednesday morning. "We're expecting potentially significant accumulations, so we just want to encourage everybody to get prepared. We don't want to overreact, but it could be a significant storm, and we're going to be ready."Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh is among the local leaders taking a similar approach.VIDEO: Tony explains the anatomy of a blizzard“Snow and ice can pose serious public safety risks, and the time to make preparations is now,” Schuh said in a statement. “I am asking all of (our) citizens to take the proper precautions as this weather system approaches.”Before the storm, Schuh is asking residents to be patient and prepared. This includes having vehicles winterized and ensuring that you have a battery-operated radio, flashlights, emergency heating sources, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers at home.More: Marylanders preparing for stormFire officials are also reminding residents to have a supply of non-perishable food and water and an adequate supply of medications if needed. Also, be aware that the heavy snow may cause leaks and collapse weakened small structures, such as sheds or other buildings.Storm impacts will include dangerous travel, power outages with the combination of heavy wet snow and high winds, and coastal flooding along the Maryland and Delaware coasts.Gov. Larry Hogan declares state of emergency in MarylandDuring a news conference Thursday afternoon, Hogan addressed storm preparations, coverage and having declared a state of emergency."I signed an executive order, declaring a state of emergency in Maryland, which goes into effect at 7 a.m. (Friday) morning," Hogan said. "I want all Marylanders to know that their state is ready and working together to respond effectively."Hogan said his staff, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, the Maryland State Highway Administration and local governments are in direct contact and are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to do so.Hogan said MEMA has been actively coordinating with the National Weather Service and working with local officials to ensure they have the resources they need.37579482SHA will pretreat all major highways starting Thursday through Friday before the snow starts. Statewide, SHA has 2,700 pieces of equipment that will be deployed and 365,000 tons of salt to battle the storm, Hogan said."For those people who run into trouble on the highways, in addition to state law enforcement and the National Guard, SHA will have another 49 emergency response vehicles," Hogan said."The Maryland State Police are reassigning troopers to road patrol duties at all 23 barracks and assigning troopers to local emergency operation centers in each county to ensure prompt assistance to local authorities."Maj. Gen. Linda Singh is preparing to mobilize the National Guard, Hogan said."We've been in touch with utility companies. We anticipate the heavy, wet snow could result in downed trees and disrupted power lines with the potential for considerable power outages. All modes of transportation are expected to be affected with the potential for widespread disruption and delay," Hogan said.The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is working with nursing homes, hospitals and dialysis centers to continue to ensure that patients have access to care and medications, Hogan said.37555272"The Maryland Department of Human Resources is prepared to support mass care and sheltering throughout the state (and) coordinate with groups like the American Red Cross," Hogan said.The Governor's Office of Community Initiatives will be working with the private sector to provide donations and support those most in need and will assist local communities in the distribution process."At my direction, our state is taking every precaution, coordinating all available resources to prepare to clear the roads, manage incidents and prepare and recover from this storm," Hogan said.Hogan said that although no snow is expected Thursday, "I urge all Marylanders to take action now and prepare before the severe weather strikes. Make sure you have food and supplies at home, not just to last for the weekend, but enough to last for up to entire week. Make sure your cellphones are charged and make sure you have batteries."I want to stress that it's important to use common sense. If you don't have to drive, don't drive. If you don't have to leave your home, don't. Stay inside and allow our road crews to do their work."Hogan encouraged people to stay informed by watching the news and checking the MEMA website for the latest updates.Baltimore City issues State of Emergency, Code Blue declarationMayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake issued a local state of emergency effective at 4 p.m. Thursday as the city prepares for an upcoming snow storm.As a precautionary measure, city leaders are urging residents to take steps now to be prepared for the storm, as well as potential power outages. For more information on emergency preparedness, residents are encouraged to go to the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management at emergency.baltimorecity.gov.VIDEO: It's all hands on deck in preparation for the stormThe state-of-emergency declaration is intended to assist with preparation and activation of emergency planning. Currently, city operations are operating as normal. If there are any changes due to severe weather conditions, further notifications will be made.The City's Emergency Operations Center will be activated starting at 9 a.m. Friday. The city's agencies have been planning and meeting all week to ensure Baltimore is prepared for the upcoming storm.City officials said the mild winter has helped because they have a full supply of salt and their equipment is in good condition.Baltimore City Department of Transportation Director William Johnson said several agencies are working together to get ready, including the police and fire departments.The city DOT has more than 250 pieces of city equipment and 180 contractor units ready to go.The department's director said about 500-600 people will be working on each shift during the storm."We'll be running 12-hour shifts around-the-clock, starting (Friday) around noon and we anticipate that that's going to go probably until Monday at least around noon," William Johnson said.VIDEO: Grocery store shelves bare before blizzardThe DOT is asking drivers to stay off the road once the storm hits. They said it's tough for them to clear the roads with lots of cars in the way.Meanwhile, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen on Thursday issued a Code Blue declaration for Baltimore City Friday through Sunday."In anticipation of a significant snow storm expected to hit the Baltimore region that will accompanied by heavy winds and cold temperatures, I am issuing a Code Blue for Baltimore City, beginning Friday afternoon," Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen said. "Now is the time to refill your prescription medications; ensure your home has sufficient supplies, including an emergency kit; and to check in on your neighbors."The health commissioner may declare a Code Blue alert when temperatures, including wind chill, are expected to be 13 degrees or below or when other conditions are severe enough to present a substantial threat to the life or health of vulnerable Baltimore citizens.For more information about Code Blue, visit the Health Department's website.Photos: Major blizzards in U.S. history | AAA offers tips to prepare your vehicle for snowRefresh wbaltv.com and our app, and watch 11 News for the latest updates.22874172