Residents urged to stay indoors

State Highway crews 'fully deployed'

The Maryland State Highway Administration issued the following news release Saturday morning:

A BLIZZARD WARNING IS IN EFFECT UNTIL LATER TODAY.

SHA crews are fully deployed with every piece of equipment available fighting the storm.

Significant accumulations between 18 and 26 inches have occurred in central Maryland, more than 20 - 28 inches in western Maryland and between 8 and 22 inches on the Eastern Shore with higher accumulations closer to the Chesapeake Bay.

Motorists are advised NOT to drive - only in cases of extreme emergency.

There are several abandoned and disabled vehicles on many roads - again, please stay home and do not attempt to drive.  You will very likely get stuck.

Weather conditions are producing limited visibility and high winds.  Crews will continue to plow throughout the day.

The goal during the storm is to have one passable lane on the interstates and other primary roads.

Again, the main message - Do not even attempt to travel.  Please allow the plow drivers the space to do their jobs.

SHA's Web site reported "overall coverage" -- meaning snow covered roads -- on all interstate, primary and secondary roads throughout Frederick, Washington, Allegany, and Garrett counties, as well as numerous counties farther east.

With roads virtually impassable, the Cumberland Times-News reported that plows are accompanying ambulances responding to emergencies.

PHOTO: Yardstick shows 29 inches of snow as of 9:30 a.m. Saturday.  View is across West Mechanic Street, toward Main Street and the Sand Spring parking lot at far left in the background.

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