With crews working overtime, snowplows are expected to have plowed and treated all residential streets in Montgomery County at least once by Tuesday night, according to county Department of Transportation (MCDOT) spokesperson Emily DeTitta.
Crews worked Monday night into Tuesday to remove snow on some residential streets, DeTitta told Bethesda Today on Tuesday, but due to nighttime snowfall, crews had to return to clearing primary and emergency roads.
Snow removal crews are responsible for clearing 5,300 miles of County roads, which includes 1,608 emergency primary routes and 3,700 residential roads, a Tuesday afternoon county press release on updates to snow operations said.
“It’s expected that we’re going to hit every residential street by nightfall, both with one pass through of the plow and salting,” she said.
Crews will also be working overnight Tuesday into Wednesday to conduct second pass-throughs on streets that may need it, DeTitta said. She noted that due to frigid temperatures and wind on Tuesday, snow is blowing back into roadways in some areas, including in Damascus and Poolesville, and those roads will need more treatment and plowing.
“Something we want residents to know is that when the plow comes through, they’re trying to make roads passable,” DeTitta said. “Especially because the snow is icy, and it’s impacted at this point and it’s just so cold.”
She also noted that residents may see a thin layer of snow left on roadways with salt on top for “added traction,” but stressed that drivers should take precautions because roads will be slick.
“The snow has stopped but the County’s storm crews continue to plow residential streets, and we continue to recommend that residents drive cautiously and give our crews plenty of room to operate,” Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said in the release. “This event was tricky because crews had to clear primary roads twice before moving on to residential streets.”
At 10 p.m. the county plans to lift the snow emergency that has been in effect, according to the release. Ahead of the snowstorm, the county declared a snow emergency which allows residents to park for free at county-owned garages due to restrictions that prohibit parking along emergency routes. Parking fees will resume at 7 a.m. on Wednesday.
County officials are urging residents to stay safe and vigilant as the county continues to deal with the cleanup of the snowstorm.
Elrich noted during a news briefing Monday that the region “has not seen a storm like this in a while,” and urged residents to be patient with snow removal crews. He also recommended residents check the county’s Winter Storm Portal for updates on plowing in their neighborhoods and other resources regarding safety and shelter and sign up for text alerts with Alert Montgomery to get information about weather, infrastructure and traffic issues, county government and school closures or delays.
In addition, MCDOT is urging residents to stay off roadways unless it is necessary. “Travel remains dangerous with freezing temperatures and active plow operations… Those who must travel should reduce speed and carry a flashlight, food and water in the vehicle in case of an emergency,” Tuesday’s release said.
Due to snow removal efforts, county-provided trash and recycling collections were canceled Tuesday. For the rest of the week, trash and recycling collections will follow a sliding schedule with the last collection taking place next Monday, according to the release.
In addition, the week of Jan. 13 will follow a slide schedule for trash and recycling collections with the last collection day on Jan. 18, the release said.
A second snow day for some
County residents woke up to another winter wonderland Tuesday after the region’s first big snowstorm dropped up to 8.3 inches of precipitation across the county.
According to the National Weather Service’s Baltimore-Washington, D.C., office, snowfall accumulations in the county as of 11:15 a.m. Tuesday was reported as:
- Potomac – 8.3 inches;
- Glen Echo – 8 inches;
- Rockville – 7.2 inches;
- Silver Spring – 6.9 inches;
- Ashton-Sandy Spring – 6.5 inches; and
- White Oak – 6 inches.
Montgomery County public schools were closed Tuesday for the second consecutive day. All county recreation programs, classes and activities also were canceled Tuesday, according to a county press release. Recreation and senior centers as well as aquatic centers are open for drop-in activities only.
“Residents are encouraged to call government facilities before visiting to ensure there has not been unforeseen closure due to weather impact,” the county release said.
County government offices reopened Tuesday after Monday’s closure. The circuit and district courts in Rockville also were closed for the second consecutive day. All trials and hearings scheduled for Monday and Tuesday will be rescheduled, according to Alert Montgomery, the county’s
Safety tips
According to county law, residents are required to clear the sidewalks in front of and around their properties within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm.
Clearing the sidewalk ensures that older adults, children and people who depend on transit are able to get around with ease, according to MCDOT.
MCDOT shared a list of pedestrian safety tips on social media for those walking in a snowy and icy environment following a snowstorm.
The tips include:
- Give yourself extra time to get to a destination;
- Wear shoes or boots that have traction on snow and ice;
- Be cautious when entering and exiting vehicles, buildings or using stairs;
- Walk on designated walkways; and
- Be mindful of snow and ice.
During Monday’s media briefing about the snowstorm, MCDOT Director Chris Conklin advised pedestrians to use sidewalks – even if they are snow-covered – as much as possible instead of walking on streets.
“If you’re walking on our roads, please be very careful,” Conklin said. “Stay as far to the right as you can if you are in the road and remember that wet feet are better than an emergency room trip if you get run over in the street.”
Residents also should be aware of fire hydrants on their block. While it is not required by county law, clearing snow away from fire hydrants helps Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) crews as they respond to incidents, spokesperson Pete Piringer said on social media.
Animal safety
During the snow emergency, the county’s Department of Animal Services is enforcing Executive Regulation 17-17, Anti-Cruelty Conditions for Dogs and Other Pets, which prohibits pet owners from leaving their pet unattended outdoors in an extreme weather situation or weather emergency, according to officials.
“If you have animals, make sure that you understand that they cannot be outside for extended periods of time … unprotected, so that you’re required to bring in your animals,” Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Earl Stoddard said during the news briefing Monday.
To report an animal left outside and appears to be in danger, call 301-279-8000.
Transportation
Ride On buses are running on a holiday schedule with reduced service Tuesday, according to MCDOT. Information about service and route changes can be found at this link.
Metrorail is operating normally Tuesday, but Metrobus will operate under a modified schedule due to the snowstorm, according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Under the plan, the number of Metrobus routes will be reduced to 42 out of 193. However, according to WMATA, service may increase as roads become passable throughout the day.
Around 1:15 p.m. WMATA posted on social media that the bus system was continuing to operate in a severe bus plan but was in the process of adding 25 routes to service. Of the new routes being added, three have service in Montgomery County: the Q2, Q4 and C8.
Piringer shared some tips for drivers, suggesting they reduce their speed, double the distance between their vehicles and others, and approach bridges and overpasses with caution.
MCDOT also encourages drivers to clean all snow off of their vehicles, including off the roof. Snow that flies off a vehicle in motion can create a potentially dangerous situation for the driver as well as other drivers nearby, according to the department.
