NOTE: [Updated on Monday at 6:45 PM]. This message also includes important updated information about the past weekend storm and the new approaching one. See below.

URGENT UPDATE: THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS UPGRADED THE WINTER STORM WATCH TO A WINTER WEATHER WARNING, WHICH WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT FROM NOON ON TUES THROUGH 7:00 PM WED.

PRECIPITATION TYPE SNOW.

• ACCUMULATIONS POTENTIAL FOR 10 OR MORE INCHES OF SNOW AND A LIKELIHOOD FOR SNOW AMOUNTS UP TO 20 INCHES, UNLESS WE GET SOME SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN, WHICH WILL CUT THE ACCUMULATION AMOUNT .

TIMING.

• MID TO NOON ON TUES THROUGH 7:00 PM WEDNESDAY.

TEMPS.

• TEMPS AT OR JUST ABOVE FREEZING AT THE ONSET TUES AFTERNOON. TEMPS WILL DROP INTO THE MID TO UPPER 20S TUES NIGHT & WEDNESDAY.

WINDS.

• LIGHT SOUTHEASTERLY WINDS TUES BECOMING NORTH-NORTHWESTERLY 15 TO 25 MPH WEDNESDAY.

 UPDATE FROM THE COUNTY ON THE PAST STORM AND PREPARATIONS FOR THE TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY STROM:

If you have neighbors with cars parked on the street - help them move those cars to off street parking so plows can make it through....also no trash/recycling pickup Monday or Tuesday. Please remove all trash cans etc. from the streets today.

County Executive Leopold Urges Citizens to Prepare for a Second Major Storm

County Government to Open with Liberal Leave in Effect

Annapolis (February 8, 2010) — County Executive John R. Leopold today urged all citizens to prepare for a second major storm as crews continue to work on clearing main, collector and residential roads.

“This was a record snow storm for our area and more snow is forecasted for tomorrow and Wednesday,” County Executive Leopold said. “Many citizens in the County give of their time every day, volunteering to help those in need. Now is the time to activate your community networks to assist your neighbors in need.”

County offices will be open tomorrow with liberal leave in effect. The Emergency Operation Center will close tonight and re-activate at 6 a.m.

The County’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated and coordinating response services since the storm hit last Friday. Since then, the Emergency Operations Center has received a high volume of calls from seniors and people with disabilities for help digging out of the snow, in addition to coordinating non-emergency medical transport. The County does not provide transportation unless in the event of a medical emergency or dialysis appointment.

“Residents are asked to check on elderly and disabled neighbors,” County Executive Leopold said. “If needed, please offer assistance with shoveling snow, providing transportation or picking up items from the store. In my travels around the County, I have personally witnessed this kind of spirit. It is also important for citizens to clear storm drains when shoveling in order to prevent snow melt from collecting in streets and turning to ice in freezing temperatures. In case of power outages, please make sure that neighbors have blankets and non-perishable food and water.”

Two existing programs as part of the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Center to assist seniors and people with disabilities, The Snow Patrol and the 4-Wheel Drive Program, were activated today. To sign up as a volunteer, call 410-222-0600 and ask for Karen Sank.

The Department of Public Works continues to clear snow and ice along all classes of roads with plow trucks and construction equipment. Parents are asked to please keep children out of roadways where heavy snow removal equipment is operating.

At this time, 248 pieces of vehicles and equipment are being used to plow and remove snow from district roads. 5,304 tons of deicing salt has been loaded and applied since the beginning of the storm event.

Arterial and collector roads are being widened where possible to allow additional plowing of expected snowfall later this week. These roads are mostly snow covered and packed, may be slushy or icy in spots, but are passable. Snow clearing equipment will continue to support emergency service providers as the first priority. Therefore, snow clearing operations may not be as fast as desired.
Streets and cul-de-sacs in some communities continue to be impassable. Front-end loaders, backhoes, and Bobcats are being deployed where needed. Go to www.aacounty.org for more information on snow removal and click on the snow banner.