Maryland Communities Urged To Prepare For Snow And Below-Freezing Temps

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Local governments around Southern Maryland are urging residents to prepare for serious winter weather over the next couple of weeks, including a potential snowstorm this weekend.

Temperatures over the weekend are expected to drop down to the 20s, and residents in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties are sharing tips and warnings about how to manage in this potentially dangerous weather.

Calvert County, for example, has posted on its Facebook page about how to dress for cold weather, how to identify signs of hypothermia, and has issued a cold weather safety warning for pets. Charles County also posted about how to keep animals safe in cold weather.

The National Weather Service is currently predicting an 80% chance of snow overnight on Saturday, Jan. 24, into Sunday, Jan. 25, with sources varying on how much snow is expected, with expectations ranging anywhere from 3 inches to a foot of snow. The Weather Channel’s current prediction is 5 to 8 inches. Overnight temperatures will also drop down to 14 degrees.

Southern Maryland typically experiences mild winters, due to a combination of flat terrain, low altitude compared to the rest of the state, and proximity to the water. Because the region doesn’t experience frequent or heavy snowfall throughout the winter, it makes preparation for big storms all the more important. Locals are encouraged to learn more about the resources available during storms and plan ahead if they can’t access grocery stores or meal deliveries.

Then again, blizzards in the region aren’t unheard of. A record-breaking storm dropped over 2 feet of snow in 2016, and just last January, residents measured up to 10 inches of snow in some areas.

The National Weather Service, the Red Cross, and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management all have resources on how to prepare for severe winter weather. Southern Marylanders should also keep an eye on county social media pages for the latest updates on closures and service disruptions.

---