ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore is urging Marylanders to avoid non-essential travel so highway crews can continue to clear up from the winter storm. In a press conference, the governor emphasized the need for clear roads to allow highway crews to work effectively and for residents to stay safe in the face of bitter cold temperatures and wind chills.

“Maryland is moving through this storm with coordination, communication, and collaboration,” said Gov. Moore, thanking state and local first responders for their efforts. However, he stressed the importance of continued caution, stating, “Let me be clear–we are still in an active State of Emergency. We ask that all Marylanders please stay off the roads.”

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) has been coordinating storm preparations since Thursday, while the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has been pre-treating roads and readying resources.

MDOT Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld echoed the governor’s call, urging drivers to stay off the roads and allow snowplows to do their work. He also advised drivers to slow down, exercise caution, and give snowplows plenty of room. “If you must travel, slow down, be cautious and give snowplows plenty of room to do their work. Check the Maryland Transit Administration’s website for the latest service alerts and verify your flight with your airline before heading to BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. Safety remains our top priority, please make it yours as well.”

The storm’s impact is expected to be felt beyond the snowfall, with wind chills dropping to single digits in some areas. Russ Strickland, Secretary of MDEM, advised residents to dress in layers, keep winter essentials in their homes and car emergency kits, and check on vulnerable neighbors and friends.

State agencies are actively coordinating their response to the storm. The MDEM has transitioned to “FULL” activation of its State Emergency Operations Center, coordinating efforts with state, local, and federal partners. The Maryland Business Emergency Operations Center has also been opened to facilitate communication and resource sharing between state agencies and the private sector.

The MDOT is actively clearing primary and secondary routes, with heavy-duty wreckers strategically placed for towing larger vehicles. Both runways at Baltimore Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport remain open, although over 200 flights have been canceled. The Maryland Transit Administration has suspended 28 bus routes and commuter bus and rail service, while maintaining light rail and subway service.

The Maryland National Guard has approximately 50 soldiers on standby to support civil agencies with evacuation and transportation, if needed.

The Maryland Public Service Commission has reported fewer than 100 outages statewide, with utilities reporting minimal disruptions.

Residents are advised to stay informed about the storm’s progress by checking updates from the National Weather Service and signing up for MdReady text alerts. For more information and safety tips, visit the MDEM website at https://mdem.maryland.gov.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.