Charles County Prepares For Winter Storm, Opens Final Vote To Name Snowplows

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — With a major winter storm expected to move through Southern Maryland, Charles County government officials are urging residents to prepare now, avoid unnecessary travel, and help snow crews keep roads safe. Alongside storm preparations, the county is inviting residents to vote on snowplow names, including finalists like Scoop Dogg and Control, Salt, Delete.

County crews are preparing equipment and staffing ahead of the anticipated snowfall, while monitoring weather conditions and coordinating response plans. Officials say a little preparation from residents can go a long way in keeping roads passable and crews safe.

When snow begins to accumulate, county and contract snowplows will focus first on primary roads and major residential routes. Plowing typically begins once snow reaches 1 to 3 inches and temperatures indicate melting is unlikely. Understanding how the system works helps everyone know what to expect during a storm.

Be A Snow-Smart Neighbor

• Park vehicles on the even-numbered side of the street to give plows room to work.
• Stay off the roads during the storm and for at least 24 hours after snowfall ends, unless travel is necessary.
• Keep a safe distance from snowplows and emergency vehicles while crews are working.
• To avoid having snow pushed back into your driveway after clearing it, stand facing the street and shovel snow to the right onto your yard, not into the roadway.

Learn more through Snow-Smart Neighbor, which provides information on snow operations, safety tips, and road conditions throughout the storm.

Residents can find the latest updates on this Special Messaging Alert page, which will be continuously updated by Charles County Government as conditions change.

Have Some Fun While You Prepare: Name The Snowplows

Alongside storm preparations, residents can take part in a Snow-Smart Neighbor community engagement effort by voting in the snowplow naming poll. Community members may select up to three favorites from a final list of 10 names chosen by the Roads crew, with the top five becoming the official names for the county’s snowplow fleet.

Stay Informed

Residents are encouraged to follow Charles County Government on social media, sign up for local alert notifications, and visit the Snow-Smart Neighbor for snow operations, safety tips, and road conditions throughout the storm.

For the latest local forecasts, storm updates, and real-time information during the event — including access to the SMECO power outage map — visit The BayNet Weather Page at thebaynet.com/weather.