MD State Of Emergency Issued Ahead Of Nor'Easter

MARYLAND — Before up to a foot of heavy snow hits the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency for nine counties. Other jurisdictions around the state may get several inches of accumulation from the nor'easter, officials say.

The governor directed the Maryland National Guard to activate 125 soldiers to help state and local agencies responding to the storm. Soldiers will be posted at armories in Southern Maryland and on the Eastern Shore, with 50 tactical vehicles available in the event people need to evacuate.

"We urge Marylanders to take this winter storm seriously, especially residents on the Eastern Shore, where we are anticipating blizzard-like conditions," Hogan said in a statement. "Stay off the roads tonight for your own safety, so that the crews and first responders can do their jobs."

The emergency declaration includes Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester counties.

• Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties are under a blizzard warning from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Saturday, when 8 to 12 inches of snow and 50 mph wind gusts may make travel "difficult to nearly impossible," according to the National Weather Service.
• Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne's and Talbot counties are under a winter storm warning from 7 p.m. Friday to 3 p.m. Saturday. About 4 to 9 inches of snowfall are expected, as well as 40 mph wind gusts. Forecasters say snow will begin Friday evening, becoming heavy at times Friday night through Saturday morning before diminishing early Saturday afternoon. Snowfall rates near 1 inch per hour are possible, with significant reductions in visibility.
• Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Cecil, Harford and St. Mary's counties are under a winter weather advisory from 4 p.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Saturday, calling for 2 to 5 inches of accumulation; below-freezing temperatures Friday night; and 40 mph winds on Saturday. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute.
• Montgomery County is under a winter weather advisory until 4 a.m. Saturday, with 1 to 3 inches of snow expected. Snow will be the steadiest late Friday afternoon and evening, and coupled with below-freezing temperatures, it may impact the evening commute.
• Charles, Howard and Prince George's counties are under a winter weather advisory until 10 a.m. on Saturday calling for 1 to 3 inches of accumulation.

Below are the latest snowfall predictions.

During the blizzard warning period, people in those areas should only travel if there is an emergency.

"If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle," officials warn.

People should keep winter survival kits in their vehicles if they must travel during the blizzard warning period. Officials advise bringing an extra flashlight, food and water.

More Hazardous Weather

A gale warning is in effect for Maryland waters from midnight until 4 a.m. Sunday.

Dangerously low wind chills may occur Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.