Snow Storm Batters Coast; Road Conditions Expected To Worsen Over Night

Snow Storm Batters Coast; Road Conditions Expected To Worsen Over Night
Snow Storm IMG 5386 Edit 03 03 2014

OCEAN CITY — The following is a gathering of media alerts reporting on conditions across the area and their impact on scheduled events and traveling as of mid-day Monday.

Town Of Ocean City

The snow has started to cover the sand, and the roads, in Ocean City, as another winter storm travels through the lower eastern shore today, March 3. With freezing temperatures and a mixture of snow and sleet, the current weather, which began this morning, is expected to last into the evening hours. Ocean City is expected to accumulate approximately four inches of snow and experience sustained winds of 20 to 25 miles per hour, and gusts upward of 35 miles per hour.

The Town of Ocean City’s winter storm plan is in effect as crews and contractors continue cleanup efforts. Liberal leave for Town of Ocean City employees has been authorized for today, Monday, March 3, and all Ocean City Recreation and Parks programs have been canceled. In addition, the regularly scheduled Mayor and City Council meeting set for tonight at 6 p.m. has been canceled.

“We are experiencing the expected wintery mix of ice, snow and sleet in Ocean City,” said Town of Ocean City’s Emergency Services Director Joseph Theobald. “The State of Maryland has implemented the Snow Emergency Plan and we certainly encourage citizens to stay home and avoid traveling on the roads. Anyone who is on the roads today should be very cautious.”

The Ocean City Public Works Department is working diligently to clear roadways and parking lots, however; citizens are encouraged to limit travel. If it is essential to travel, drivers should use extra caution and reduce speed if they must be on the road. For more winter driving tips, please use extra caution and follow these winter driving safety tips: http://ocpdmdinfo.blogspot.com/2014/01/ocean-city-under-winter-storm-warning.html.

The Ocean City Fire Department is reminding citizens that ice on ponds, lakes and lagoons is unsafe.

“Each year hundreds of people are injured in ice water accidents,” said Ocean City Fire Department Lieutenant and Water Rescue Commander, Del Baker. “Many think that because the bay, pond or other body of water has been frozen for a few days, they can “skate” or play on the ice. It is important to understand that even though the ice may look strong and safe, there is always the danger of falling through the ice and into frigid water.”

The Town of Ocean City’s Emergency Services Department is continue to monitor the storm and will continue to update residents and visitors as services change. Please follow @townofoceancity on twitter or visit https://www.facebook.com/TownOfOceanCity for updates.

Worcester County

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and Worcester County Emergency Services (WCES) are warning travelers that the Maryland State Police snow emergency plan is in effect through the Tuesday morning commute.

Parking on state roads and streets designated as snow emergency routes is prohibited. Vehicles abandoned on the roadside for any reason during the winter storm will be subject to immediate tow. Vehicles traveling the roadways should be equipped with all-season radials or snow chains.

WCES officials strongly urge residents to remain indoors and stay off the roads. Roadway travel is highly treacherous due to a mix of falling snow, ice, wind and freezing temperatures.

Worcester County Environmental Programs officials urge residents to take the following steps now to protect water supply pipes from freezing. Allow faucet which is the farthest from the location where water enters the building to drip. Open cabinet doors, to expose pipes to warmer air, close off crawl space vents, and close garage doors.

Atlantic General Hospital

Due to the weather forecast, Atlantic General Hospital has implemented their Inclement Weather Policy as of 1 p.m. today. Due to inclement weather Atlantic General Hospital and Health System has announced the following closures:

• All Atlantic General Health System (AGHS) and the Atlantic Health Center offices will close at 1 p.m. today. Patients are being notified. At this time AGHS will reopen at 8 a.m.

• Scheduled outpatient diagnostic services will maintain their normal operating hours.

• The Outpatient Lab will be closing at 1 p.m.

• Atlantic ImmediCare will remain open. If the Rite Aid pharmacy closes the clinics will also close.

•The Nursing Town Hall meetings scheduled for 2 p.m. today and 7:30 am on March 4 have been canceled.

State of Delaware

The National Weather Service has cancelled the Winter Storm Warning for New Castle County. The Warning remains in effect for Kent County until 4 p.m. today and for Sussex County until 6 p.m. today. Governor Jack Markell has lifted State of Emergency and Level 1 Driving Warning in New Castle County, but they remain in effect in Kent and Sussex.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) remains activated. State of Delaware offices will remain closed through 11:59 pm, Monday, March 3. Non-essential employees who work during this time are not to report to work, while essential employees should report as scheduled.

The weather forecast calls for snow accumulation in Kent County of 5-8 inches of snow with the same in Sussex. Snow has ended in New Castle County. Winds will be 10-15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph in New Castle and Kent counties. Slightly higher winds are expected in Sussex County, with gusts up to 35 mph.

Road and weather conditions vary, with ice covered by snow in many areas. Roads across the state are slippery and police in all three counties have handled a number of motor vehicle accidents. DelDOT is plowing and salting roadways in New Castle County, and is using sand along with salt in Kent and Sussex. The snow caused changes in DART transit service today. Details on bus routes and changes can be found at http://www.dartfirststate.com. Click on “Alerts” for more information.

All public schools in Delaware are closed today, along with The University of Delaware, Delaware State University, Wilmington University, Wesley College, and Delaware Technical and Community College.

Near-record cold weather will make its way into the area tonight, and temperatures in some portions of the state could be in the single digits tonight and overnight but will be slightly higher in the southern portion of Delaware.