Charles Co. Prepares for Winter Storm and Cold Temperatures
Charles County Prepares for Winter Storm and Cold Temperatures
Charles County is preparing for a winter storm to impact the region on Monday evening through Tuesday afternoon. The National Weather Service Office in Sterling, Va., has forecast accumulating snow and frigid temperatures. At a minimum, residents can expect to see around 8-10 inches of snow, with higher totals possible. Local officials are asking residents to make preparations now and to stay off the roads during the height of the storm tonight and tomorrow morning. The combination of snow and wind may cause power outages in the area.
“Citizens are urged to stay off the roads, if at all possible, to allow access for highway crews and emergency vehicles. If you have relatives, friends, or neighbors with special needs – especially the elderly or other vulnerable residents – please check on them. Helping your neighbors helps our first responders. In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1 for assistance,” said William Stephens, director of the Department of Emergency Services.
Though road crews have been pre-treating many roads in the area, road conditions will likely be hazardous Monday evening and Tuesday morning. Residents should consider staying off the roads during this time and delaying the morning commute.
Cold temperatures will also present a danger today and tomorrow. Low temperatures are forecast to be near or even below zero degrees. Gusty winds will further complicate the extreme cold and wind chills will be well below zero. The Capital Clubhouse in Waldorf, Charles County Public Library (all branches), Department of Community Services in Port Tobacco, Nanjemoy Community Center, and Richard R. Clark Senior Center in La Plata are open and available as warming centers during normal operating hours. For information on operating hours for each location, visit
www.CharlesCountyMD.gov. If you require a warming shelter or know of someone in need of shelter after hours, contact the Charles County Sheriff’s Office at 301-932-2222.
In addition to staying off the roads when snow is falling, residents should take the following actions:
• Keep devices charged so you will have a way to follow weather forecasts and local emergency information.
• Be cautious shoveling snow to avoid overexertion. Take frequent breaks and keep hydrated.
• If you must travel, make sure to have a car chargers, kitty litter or sand for traction, and extra drinks and snacks in case you get stuck in traffic.
• Let friends or family know of your travel route and expected arrival times.
• Make sure pets are not kept outside without shelter in cold and snowy weather, and be aware that salt and other ice-melting materials may hurt animal’s paws.
• Dress in layers, taking care to keep your hands covered.
• Know who to contact in the case of a power outage. Call SMECO 1-877-747-6326 to report an outage.
For more information about winter weather preparedness, please visit the following websites:
• MEMA:
www.mema.maryland.gov
• DHMH:
http://dhmh.maryland.gov/winterrpts/SitePages/Home.aspx
• FEMA:
www.ready.gov and click on the Winter Storms link.
• American Red Cross:
www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster and click on Winter Storm.
Severe weather notices are posted online at
www.CharlesCountyMD.gov, on CCGTV cable television (Comcast channel 95 and Verizon channel 10), on Facebook, and on Twitter. Sign up at
www.CharlesCountyCNS.com to receive Citizen Notification System (CNS) inclement weather notifications by text and/or e-mail. Call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.