Live updates: Snow storm bears down on Maryland

(12:00 p.m.) - The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is preparing for Winter Storm Fern by setting up cots and air mattresses in the organization’s 11 hospitals.

UMMS is setting into motion its comprehensive preparedness plans to ensure the hospitals will be able to operate as the area expects one of the biggest snowfalls in years.

“Our hospitals never close, even in extreme weather, and it is our collective job to anticipate disruptions and put layers of protection in place and plan accordingly so the world-class care for thousands of patients we are privileged to care for will continue,” said Dr. Mohan Suntha, president and CEO of UMMS. “We are extremely grateful to our team members – many of whom plan to spend the night in hospitals even after working their shifts – for their dedication to our patients. Our people are our most critical resource.”

The hospitals are setting up sleeping arrangements for more than 500 staff members and also planning to keep others in nearby hotels.

UMMS opened a logistics center in Sparrows Point last November to ensure extra inventory and keep hospitals filled with food, equipment and medications. This storm will be the first use of the center.

Outpatient services and elective surgeries at University of Maryland Eastern Shore Regional Health facilities have been cancelled for Monday.

Patients with appointments for ambulatory services scheduled for early next week may be switched to telehealth appointments.

(Saturday 10:00 a.m.) - Gov. Wes Moore is activating 160 members of the National Guard to support the government as Winter Storm Fern bears down on Maryland this weekend.

The troops will use specialized vehicles for rapid response in areas that may be hard to traverse during the snowy conditions.

Moore activated 10 Light Medium Tactical Vehicles and 32 Humvees.

““The safety and well-being of Maryland residents is our top priority,” said Brig. Gen Craig Hunter, director of the Maryland National Guard Joint Staff. “By preparing our personnel and equipment before the winter storm, we can respond immediately to requests for assistance from local jurisdictions and help ensure our communities remain safe during this weather. The Maryland National Guard will work in close coordination with the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, local emergency management officials, and county governments to identify areas of greatest need.”

The Guard will operate from four readiness centers in Dundalk, Hagerstown, Sykesville and Salisbury.

Danyell Irby

/

WYPR

(Friday 5:30 p.m.) - Up to a foot of snow could fall on the Baltimore region on Sunday, sparking a winter storm warning from the National Weather Service.

That warning goes into effect at 11 p.m. Saturday night, and will last until 4 a.m. Monday morning. Snowfall, mixed with sleet and freezing rain, could total anywhere from seven to 14 inches across the central and southern parts of Maryland.

But ahead of the snow, central Maryland is under a cold weather advisory from the National Weather service. That is in effect from 8 p.m. Friday until 10 a.m. Saturday morning, as wind chill factors could fall to as low as nine below zero overnight.

National Weather Service meteorologist Brendon Rubin-Oster says expected snowfall totals still vary. “Right now we’re still looking at 8 to 12 inches of snow in the Baltimore metro area, more to the north as you head toward the Pennsylvania border where it could snow longer,” Rubin-Oster told WYPR’s Midday on Friday afternoon. “But the Baltimore area could be right on the cusp of where we see sleet and freezing rain mixing in late morning and middle of the afternoon on Sunday.”

The reason some of the snow will turn into sleet or freezing rain despite temperatures staying below freezing the entire time has to do with Maryland’s geographic location according to Rubin-Oster. “The Mid-Atlantic is very used to (these storms) where it may be below-freezing on the ground, but you get this warmer air above the surface that is warmer than 32-Fahrenheit,” he explained. “So those ice crystals coming down, they’ll melt. But before they reach the ground, they re-freeze.”

The snow that falls Sunday may not be going anywhere quickly, as temperatures next week will remain below freezing preventing much melting from occurring. “(At BWI-Marshall) we might get close to a top five record for longest period of below freezing temperatures.” The current record for that is 14 days set in 1966, and Rubin-Oster says nine to ten days is likely for the rest of this month.

Meanwhile, crews at BWI-Marshall International Airport are readying for the storm. Airport spokesman Johnathan Dean tells WYPR that they have 60 specialized vehicles for snow removal, which are prepared to deploy as the storm reaches the area.

“With any winter storm, we strongly suggest that our passengers check with their airlines for the most up to date flight status information,” Dean said. “The airlines will likely offer relaxed change policies before the weekend to allow travelers to alter their travel plans ahead of the storm.”

Flight cancellations are likely this weekend, but on Friday most went off smoothly. Dean did have piece of advice for travelers who will fly out before the snow.  “Here at BWI-Marshall Airport, we do have more than 10-thousand covered spaces at our daily and hourly garages,” according to Dean. “We do recommend customers consider garage parking during the winter weather, to keep their cars clear during the storm.”

As for roads, state and local crews began pre-treating them on Friday. In declaring a state of emergency Friday afternoon, Governor Wes Moore asked residents to stay home once the snow starts on Saturday. “Do not travel unless it is absolutely necessary. Staying off the roads is essential to keeping routes clear for law enforcement, snow removal crews, and emergency responders so they can do their jobs without delay,” the Governor said at a statehouse press conference.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott also declared a state of emergency within the city on Friday due to the storm. Parking on snow emergency routes in the city will be prohibited starting Saturday at noon. Vehicles still parked in those areas after that could be ticketed or towed. Starting Saturday at noon, parking will be free for city residents at city-owned parking garages through 7 p.m. on Monday. Residents will have to show proof of residence.

(This post has been updated and corrected)