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Winter Storm Warning expanded, 6 to 12 inches of snow possible for Baltimore area

Winter Weather SnowThe Nottingham area is preparing for what will likely be its biggest snowfall since the blizzard of 2016.

Forecasters are now predicting that Baltimore County could see 6 to 12 inches of snow, starting Tuesday night and continuing into Wednesday evening.

Baltimore’s BWI Airport has not recorded at least three inches of snow since the blizzard of 2016.

The National Weather Service has expanded its Winter Storm Warning to include almost the entire state of Maryland.

Some school systems are already beginning to report closings for Wednesday.

The Maryland Transportation Authority is urging motorists to stay off the roads and BGE says its crews are prepared to deal with heavy, wet snow and ice.

“Snow, sleet, and freezing rain falling this evening and overnight could make road conditions treacherous throughout the state. I strongly urge all Marylanders to use common sense, take extreme caution, and avoid travel if possible,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Keep a close eye on your local weather forecast, and check on family, friends, and neighbors and make sure they are safe throughout this late-season storm.”

“Residents should prepare now because roads are becoming slick. Travel overnight and through tomorrow could be significantly impacted,” said Maryland Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Russ Strickland. “If you need to travel, be sure to take your time and let family know your destination and expected arrival time.”

Here are some winter storm preparation tips from the MEMA:

Before a Winter Storm

  • Make sure your home is well insulated and that you have weather stripping around your doors and window sills to keep the warm air inside.
  • Fully winterize your vehicle and keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
  • Include adequate clothing and blankets in your ready kit to keep you warm.

During a Winter Storm

  • Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside
  • Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidlyWatch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
  • Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.
  • Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
  • If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).

After a Winter Storm

  • Continue to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.

Winter Storm Warning NWS 20180321

NWS Expected Snowfall Maryland 20180321

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