March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 47 F

Snow Updates

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UPDATE 04:05pm 01/27/2011: Most of the updates are done, so we will release this post to fall into place. But we hear there is another inch or so expected tomorrow afternoon!  Thanks for reading Eye On Annapolis!

UPDATE 12:22 pm 01/27/2011: From the City of Annapolis:

The Department of Public Works announces that there will be no recycling collection today in the city.

Because of a shortage in crews and inaccessible side streets, the City’s recycling contractor, Bates, will make today’s collection on Friday. Friday’s routes will be serviced on Saturday.

Public inquiries should be directed to the Public Works Operations Center at 410-263-7967.

UPDATE 09:57 am 01/27/2011: Photo of damage to the fence in front of the USNA Alumni Association’s Ogle Hall:

UPDATE 09:24 am 01/27/2011: From the Anne Arundel County Police Department:

Main roadways are passable, but are slick, while side roads are very poor and impassable. There are many wires and trees down on both side roads and main roads. It is highly recommended that you stay off all roads so snow plows and utility operations can continue.

Also, the traffic signals along Ritchie Hwy from Pasadena to Arnold are not functioning. It is unknown when they will become operational.

Officers are currently looking for a large Ford F-250 style pick up truck with a plow on the front. At 2:00 am this morning a pedestrian was struck and killed while walking along Mountain Rd near Hog Neck Rd by a vehicle fitting this description. There is no information concerning any damage to the vehicle. Anyone with further information concerning this type of vehicle, which may have been in the area at the time, is urged to call the Anne Arundel County Police Dept. at 410-222-8610.

UPDATE 09:17 am 01/27/2011: This photos was sent in by a reader. This is the beach at the Beverly Beach community on the Mayo Peninsula:

UPDATE 06:13 am 01/27/2011: From the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging:

Because of inclement weather, the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities will close its senior centers and nutrition sites today, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011. There will not be any Senior Center Plus programs. Van transportation is canceled.

UPDATE 06:02 am 01/27/2011: Anne Arundel County Government  is closed today.

UPDATE 05:20 am 01/27/2011: Anne Arundel County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday January 27, 2011

UPDATE 04:34 am 01/27/2011: Anne Arundel County Community College is kind of closed for the day. It will be opening at 5:00pm.

UPDATE 11:30 pm 01/26/2011: This video was taken at 7:30pm this evening in the City Dock area of Annapolis

UPDATE: 11:17 pm 01/26/2011: Annapolis City will establish a Snow Hotline for inquiries tomorrow morning:

Mayor Joshua J. Cohen announces that the Emergency Operations Center will activate its phone hotline on Thursday morning to handle public inquiries and other non-emergency calls related to tonight’s snowstorm.

The hotline – 410-260-2211 – will be activated at 6 a.m. Thursday for inquiries related to snow removal, other City services as well as transport and shelter needs. This phone line will be activated until about 4 p.m. Thursday.

The Office of Emergency Management established the hotline to divert calls away from the Public Works Operations Line and the 911 emergency center during more serious emergency incidents.

UPDATE 11:14 pm 01/26/2011: From Annapolis City regarding tomorrow’s availability of facilities:

Because of heavy snow, all Recreation and Parks facilities will open two hours later than regularly scheduled on Thursday — the Roger “Pip” Moyer Community Recreation Center will open at 8 a.m. and the Stanton Center at 10:30 a.m.

All morning classes (classes that begin before noon) are canceled for Thursday.   The status of afternoon classes will be determined on Thursday morning.

UPDATE 11:05 pm 01/26/2011: Currently BGE is reporting that 45.330 customers in Anne Arundel County without power. Most of the outages seem to be located along the Ritchie Highway Corridor from Glen Burnie down to Broadneck. To see a live update, visit BGE’s Power Outage Map.

UPDATE 11:01 pm 01/26/2011: From County Executive John R. Leopold:

Anne Arundel County Public Works crews, including 89 County vehicles and 127 contractor vehicles, will work through the night responding to today’s snow storm.  Efforts are currently focused on main and arterial roads.

“Conditions are dangerous on the roads this evening, so we are cautioning residents to avoid driving tonight and give our drivers and contractors room to work,” County Executive Leopold said. “We will be monitoring conditions overnight as we continue to clear the roadways.”

The Emergency Operations Center will open at 5:30 a.m. with essential staff from core County departments.

Please remember the following snow tips:

● Park all vehicles in a driveway whenever possible. If off-street parking is not available, please work with your neighbors to park all vehicles on one side of the road only.
● Children should be cautioned to stay clear of plows and other heavy equipment, and drivers should do the same to allow them to do their work.
● Clearing of sidewalks and removal of ice is the responsibility of each resident.
● Remove all recycling containers, trash cans, and other obstacles from the street.
● Use patience – plowing operations are prioritized to get motorists moving as quickly as possible.
● Maintain a safe following distance on the roadways during slick conditions, maintain low speeds and turn on your lights to increase visibility.
● Brake gently to avoid skidding.

UPDATE 08:02 pm 01/26/2011: A snapshot from the foot of Main Street in Annapolis

Snow blow sideways in Annapolis Maryland on January 26, 2011

UPDATE 04:44 pm 01/26/2011: From Annapolis Mayor Josh Cohen:

With the possibility that Annapolis could be hit with several inches of snow tonight, Mayor Joshua J. Cohen makes the following announcements about the status of City government and the City’s snow response:

  • SNOW RESPONSE/REMOVAL: A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Annapolis, with possible accumulations of 3 to 6 inches. As such, the Department of Public Works will operate under a Phase I Snow Emergency.  Public Works expects to make the snow emergency routes, snow connector routes and street ends passable within 24 to 36 hours after the end of the storm. Roadways are typically salted to improve melting.
  • GARAGES: The City’s three parking garages – Gott’s, Hillman and Knighton – are available at no cost to city residents effective immediately. This free-parking period will end at noon tomorrow. Residents who park their cars along Snow Emergency Routes are encouraged to move their cars to the garages. For information about the garages, go to: http://bit.ly/hZPlKB.
  • CITY GOVERNMENT: City administrative offices will close on time at 4:30 p.m. today and will open two hours late on Thursday morning. Essential employees must report on time. Supervisors are to allow for the unscheduled use of annual leave.
  • RECREATION AND PARKS: All scheduled programs and classes at the Roger “Pip” Moyer Community Recreation Center have been cancelled after 2 p.m. today. That directive also applies to basketball games at the Stanton Community Center. Status announcements about the Rec Center and the Stanton Center for tonight and tomorrow will be posted as needed.
  • TRANSPORTATION: Annapolis Transit is expected to operate under its normal schedule. Status announcements about bus service for tonight and tomorrow will be posted as needed.
  • CITY COUNCIL: Today’s meeting of the Economic Matters Committee, where a presentation of Gone to Market LLC’s business and marketing plan for the Market House, remains on as scheduled. The meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 160 Duke of Gloucester St. The meeting will be broadcast live on City TV (Verizon Channel 34 and Comcast Channel 99/100).
  • REFUSE COLLECTION: Collection will be delayed on Thursday to start at approximately 8 a.m.
  • PUBLIC INQUIRIES ON SNOW REMOVAL: The Public Works Operations Center (410-263-7967) will handle public inquiries about the snow response until 4:30 p.m. today and beginning at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow. After-hours inquiries for emergency service can be directed to the City’s water plant at 410-224-2140.

Please note that the status of the City’s snow response, services and events could change if conditions worsen.

Rain and sleet is falling in Central Maryland this afternoon, and that precipitation is expected to change over entirely to snow between 5 to 7 p.m. Heavy snow, perhaps as much as 2 inches an hour, is expected to fall at times tonight, with the storm pulling out of the region by midnight. Public Works is expected to begin snow removal this evening. All snow removal equipment has already been staged.

UPDATE 02:49pm 01/26/2011: From Foot’s Forecast:

Forecaster Connor SPECIAL UPDATE 2:40 PM 1/26: CURRENT CONDITIONS: Light rain or snow is falling throughout the area with temperatures hovering just above freezing. Winds are beginning to pick up out of the northeast which will help to cool down temperatures.

NEXT FEW HOURS: As part one of the storm moves away, part two will begin to m…ove into the area. This round of snow will be incredibly intense with snowfall rates reaching or exceeding 2″ per hour. The snow will not begin to fall lightly, it will be intense from the start. Snow will move into the area within the hour, and may initially start as mixed precipitation, especially south, where it may begin as rain. We expect the intense banding of heavy snow to begin in our area after 4pm. Snow will continue to fall overnight and will come to an end around midnight from southwest to northeast.

CAUTIONS: WE URGE ALL PEOPLE TO BE OFF THE ROADS BY 4PM… Driving through one of these snow bands can be extremely dangerous with very low visibility and some bands will produce WHITEOUT conditions. The heavy wet snow falling at such a fast rate will create the potential for sporadic power outages and downed trees. Please be careful.

TOTAL SNOWFALL PREDICTIONS: BWI- 9.5″ | Baltimore City- 10″ | Annapolis- 7″ | Westminster- 10″ | Bel Air- 11″ | Columbia- 8.5″|

UPDATE 01:48 pm 01/26/2011: From BGE on expected power outages:

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), today announced it continues responding to scattered power outages associated with this morning’s snowstorm. The utility is also preparing for additional interruptions in electric service as additional heavier wet snow is forecasted for later today and into Thursday.  Snow covered trees and tree limbs could fall onto power lines and cause outages.

“In anticipation of worsening weather conditions and related power outages, BGE proactively increased the number of field personnel last night, ensuring we could begin restoring service as soon as it was safe to do so,” said A. Christopher Burton, senior vice president of gas and electric operations and planning for BGE. “In addition to the field forces already in place, many other BGE employees are transitioning from their normal work roles into their storm assignments in preparation for new outages later today and tomorrow. BGE reminds customers that hazardous road conditions will likely delay arrival times for restoration crews which could extend the duration of power outages. We thank our customers in advance for their patience and understanding.”

Just as BGE prepares for severe weather and the possibility of power outages, customers should also be prepared and take steps to ensure the safety of their families and property during electric service interruptions. Customers should keep the following items readily available:

Flashlights – not candles

Fresh batteries

Battery operated clock radio

Corded telephone

Fully charged cell phone

Non-perishable foods

Blankets

Customers also should consider filling the fuel tanks of their vehicles in the event a power outage affects service to neighborhood gas stations. For customers who rely on well water, filling a bathtub with water in advance of severe weather is strongly encouraged.  Customers using a generator or space heater should follow manufacturer instructions and be sure to locate generators in well-ventilated areas.

Additionally, customers with special needs such as those who may be elderly, handicapped or dependent on electricity for medical equipment, should have alternate arrangements in place should they experience an extended power outage. BGE’s restoration priorities are public safety issues and critical facilities, such as 911 centers, hospitals and pumping stations. Then restoration is generally scheduled so that the greatest number of customers can be restored as quickly and as safely as possible. However, in cases of extended power outages, consideration is also given to customers who have been without service for the longest.

Customers are always reminded to stay away from downed power lines and to report them immediately by calling 1-877-778-2222. For more information about BGE storm preparation and how customers can protect their families and property, go to www.bge.com.

In addition to monitoring current and approaching weather conditions which could result in service interruptions, BGE regularly conducts emergency training drills during which all aspects of storm related service restoration are tested. BGE also reviews its Electric Delivery Emergency Response Plan to ensure that storm response procedures are up-to-date and in line with industry standards.

UPDATE 01:30 pm 01/26/2011: From Annapolis Mayor Josh Cohen:

With the National Weather Service calling for snow accumulations of at least 3 to 5 inches by midnight in Annapolis, Mayor Joshua J. Cohen asks citizens to take precautions and stay tuned this afternoon as the City determines its response to the impending storm.

Mayor Cohen will inform citizens about the City’s response after a meeting he will hold with his snow response team at 1 p.m.

Forecasts for Annapolis call for between 3 inches to perhaps 8 or more inches falling between 2 p.m. and midnight. There is a high possibility of heavy snow falling during the evening rush-hour period. Currently, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Anne Arundel County until 4 a.m. Thursday.

Citizens are encouraged to use caution while driving. Please be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibility.

Emergency officials want citizens to be alert for the possibility of heavy, wet snow causing downed power lines and fallen trees branches. Downed trees can be reported to the Department of Public Works at 410-263-7949 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and 410-224-2140 after hours.

If you have a power outage, you can contact BGE at 1-877-778-2222. For information about how to prepare for winter weather conditions, go to: http://bit.ly/fWZbA5.

Anyone in need of shelter during the storm should contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services at 410-421-8400 or 410-863-4888.

Please remember, City Code, Section 14.24.010, requires the abutting property owner to clear the public sidewalk of snow and ice within three 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 fine. Please lend a helping hand to any neighbors who may be physically or otherwise unable to clear sidewalks. (Never use fertilizer to melt ice and snow; the nitrogen and phosphorus in fertilizer can harm your local streams, groundwater and the Chesapeake Bay.)

As with prior storms,  we will be posting news, updates, and photos to Eye On Annapolis to this singular post. This post will be pinned to the top for the duration of the weather event. The NWS is forecasting a 5″ to 10″ snow for the area.

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