MoCo First Responders Swamped By Over 200 Calls During Snow Storm

BETHESDA, MD — Wednesday's nor'easter has been keeping Montgomery County emergency personnel busier than usual.

On a typical day, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue receives about 300 calls for service. On Wednesday, officials said they received roughly 200 calls in an eight-hour period — more than 65 percent of what the department normally gets in 24 hours.

More than 30 of those calls were for car crashes or pedestrian-involved collisions, according to fire department spokesman Pete Piringer.

FYI - 8hr period 10-6p @mcfrs handled about 200 calls for service including >30 collisions with injury and two (2) pedestrians struck, typically in a 24-hour period (lately) @mcfrs handles on average a litttle over 300 calls for service https://t.co/RmH7cIMMZt pic.twitter.com/HQH12UsBDf
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) December 16, 2020

Calls continued to pour in Thursday as roads became icy, including one about a snow plow that hit an overpass on Interstate 270 after midnight.

SB I270 IAO Exit 8, collision, snow plow struck overpass, some lanes blocked @MDSHA @MDSP
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) December 17, 2020

Piringer is reminding residents to be careful when they get behind the wheel or walk outside.

"When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing risk of fall and injury," Piringer tweeted.

Below are a few safe driving tips:

NOTICE: @MCFRS crews responding to numerous collisions/crashes @MontgomeryCoMD , most involve SNOW & ICY CONDITIONS ... USE CAUTION on ALL elevated surfaces ie bridges, overpasses, parking lots, sidewalks....... flood watch in effect expect urban flooding & water ponding on roads pic.twitter.com/zIR6OSL0Xh
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) December 16, 2020