This story was updated Nov.15 at 1:30 p.m.
Thursday morning’s wintry mix led to a slew of traffic collisions throughout Montgomery County, blocking lanes and closing roads in several areas.
The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for the area beginning at 4:12 a.m. and lasting until 4 p.m., along with a Winter Weather Advisory beginning at 8:26 a.m. and extending to 4 p.m. as well. Montgomery County public schools were initially slated to open two hours late, though a later announcement nixed the school day altogether. Montgomery College is also closed.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation Division of Highway Services reported crews are treating roads and responding to incidents as needed.
Here are some of the traffic incidents that occurred:
- Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Pete Piringer reported a collision northbound on Interstate 270 between Route 121 and Route 109 at 6:19 a.m.
- Piringer also reported lane blockages on Georgia Avenue at the Intercounty Connector, Muncaster Mill Road at Ivy Oak Drive, and Whites Ferry Road and Darnestown Road, the latter two situations including overturned vehicles. The first two incidents were reported at 6:46 a.m., the third at 8:08 a.m.
- Route 108 east of Damascus Road is closed for an extended period following a collision with an overturned vehicle that knocked down four utility poles, an update provided by Piringer at 9:34 a.m.
- Piringer also reported a collision resulting in an overturned vehicle on Clara Barton Parkway near Interstate 495 at 10:16 a.m.
- The Maryland State Highway Administration reported an overturned ladder truck in Frederick County at 11:07 a.m., which Piringer confirmed to be a reserve MCFRS vehicle headed to Hagerstown. No one was injured and an off-duty MCFRS firefighter in the area helped the driver from the vehicle.
- Montgomery County Police reported at 12:49 p.m. that Route 28 just south of Route 118 near Harris Teeter is closed in both directions due to a traffic collision.
NWS recommends driving more slowly than usual, closely monitoring road conditions and making sure gas tanks are at least half-full when traveling in these conditions.
Around 12:30 p.m.. NWS extended the Winter Storm Warning for Northwest Montgomery County until 4 a.m. on Friday.
