(Annapolis, MD 12-9-17) Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley yesterday met with a team of City department leaders to review its planned response to any snow event this weekend. With the snowfall now upon us, city crews are currently working to keep city roads clear as the weather unfolds.
“A beautiful snowfall on our historic city is a great way to hit the ground running as Mayor,” said Mayor Buckley. “After meeting with our team yesterday, I feel confident that with the predicted amount of snow, coupled with our recent warmer temperatures, the City is prepared to manage this event efficiently and effectively.”
Here’s an update from the City’s Office of Emergency Management:
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Situation Summary | The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is monitoring winter weather expected to affect the City through early this evening into Sunday morning.
The current National Weather Service (NWS) forecast calls for 1-4 inches of snow. Snow accumulation is expected to be steady throughout this evening ending early Sunday morning. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 9:00 p.m. this evening.
The Office of Emergency Management has been in coordination with Public Works on road conditions this morning. Public Works and Recreation and Parks have and will continue to treat roadways as necessary.
Public Works has brought in an additional crew and salt truck to help treat major roadways and the downtown area.
Department of Transportation will be monitoring sloped roadways to adjust bus routes as necessary. Any identified hazardous roadways will be communicated to Public Works.
OEM participated in a conference call with the National Weather Service and MEMA (Maryland Emergency Management Agency) and there are no further conference calls anticipated for this winter storm.
Pip Moyer Recreation Center is continuing with normal business hours and activities.
The Stanton Center will be open as a warming center Saturday and Sunday night. Please see below for more information regarding the Warming Centers.
OEM will continue to monitor this storm, and will provide additional information as needed.
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Weather Forecast | Today
Snow. High near 38. North wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Tonight
Snow likely before 7pm, then a chance of snow showers after 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. West wind 6 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 40. Breezy, with a west wind 11 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. West wind 6 to 9 mph.
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Warming Center Information | The Stanton Center will be open today, December 9th, and Sunday December 10th, as an overnight warming center for individuals who need this service.
For overnight warming center referrals or more information, contact OEM at 410-216-9167 during normal business hours and after hours.
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Additional Events | · The Parade of Lights is still on schedule to take place at 6 p.m. tonight.
· Midshipmen will be returning tonight through tomorrow morning from the Army VS. Navy game taking place in Philadelphia, PA.
· Those traveling on the roadways should use caution as snowy and icy conditions are expected over the next 24 hours.
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Winter Storm Safety Tips | · If you need to drive, make sure you give yourself enough time to get to your destination safely.
· Drive pertinent to the road conditions, maintaining a safe following distance to stop your vehicle safely.
· Temperatures will drop tonight possibly causing icy road condition please use precaution if you plan to travel this evening.
· Ensure that your emergency kits are restocked in your home. Kits should include supply of water, non-perishable food, flashlights with extra batteries, first aid kit, inverter or solar cellphone chargers, etc.
· A small emergency kit should be kept in your vehicle. Some items to include are ice scrapers, shovel, jumper cables, blankets, bag of sand/kitty litter, tow rope, etc.
· For information regarding changes to City Services due to winter weather, make sure to check the City Website, City Social Media, and/or download the Prepare Me Annapolis app. The Prepare Me Annapolis app is free on the App Store and Google Play.
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Any power outages should be reported to BGE at 1-877-778-2222. Please use caution when operating generators. Generators should be operated outdoors in an area with ample ventilation.
Please remember once the snow begins that City Code, Section 14.24.010 requires the property owner to clear the public sidewalk of snow and ice within 3 hours after the snow or sleet has stopped falling, except when the snow or sleet stopped falling between 3 p.m. and 6 a.m. Then the snow/ice must be removed from the walk before 11 a.m. Violation of this code requirement is subject to a $25.00 fine. Also, uncover and clear area around fire hydrants and storm drain inlets. While it helps identify hydrants for firefighters, it can also help guard against flooding. If the snow melts and can’t flow away, it could cause street icing and basement flooding.
Check www.annapolis.gov frequently, as all updated information will be posted and available on the City website. People also can call the Office of Emergency Management during business hours at 410-216-9167.