Frederick County emergency management officials report that as of 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, the projected totals of snow have increased to 18 – 24 inches. Tonight Frederick County is projected to get another 2 to 4 inches starting in the late afternoon.
Frederick County remains under a National Weather Service WINTER STORM WARNING until 5:00 a.m. on Friday, February 14.
After first opening up primary roadways, Highway Operations crews are now working on secondary roads.
Although there is currently a break in the storm – dubbed by some as “Cupid’s Snow Storm” due to its proximity to Valentine’s Day, county officials continue to encourage residents to stay at home and off the roads. Conditions are improving, but more snow is coming and highway crews still have a lot of work to do in order to safely open up the roads.
Upon visiting the Frederick County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) today, President Blaine Young of the Frederick Board of County Commissioners commented, “Now that we have a short break in the snow storm, our residents may wish to start digging out their cars, sidewalks and driveways before the next wave of snowfall that will hit this evening. Based on reports I’ve heard in the EOC, this storm is the biggest winter event since ‘Snowmageddon’ four years ago, and all our emergency partners are working around the clock to monitor and respond to citizen needs both large and small.
“I can’t thank enough all the fire and rescue, emergency management, law enforcement, health and mental welfare, highway crews, utility workers and other local and state employees, as well as the private contractors, who are working so hard to get us through this significant storm as smoothly as possible. When many residents are in their warm and secure homes during such incidents, these talented and caring professionals are keeping us all safe and responding to emergencies. We appreciate their service and I commend them all and on behalf of the citizens of Frederick County.”
Emergency officials also caution residents to be careful of over exertion as they start shoveling out of the snow storm. Medical professionals will attest to the dangers of heart attack, especially to middle aged and older persons, who tackle snow shoveling in very cold weather. They advise to warm up first and start slowly. Beware of the level of exertion and heart rate. Take smaller shovel-full’s and take breaks. See www.ready.com, “Winter Storms & Extreme Cold” for more information.
For additional information and updates, stay tuned to local radio and televisions stations, FCG TV (cable channel 19 or www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/video), or visit the Frederick County Government website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov. In addition, local news websites carry information on cancelations and delays: www.fredericknewspost.com, www.wfmd.com, www.wfre.com, www.your4state.com, and many others.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications from the Frederick County Division of Emergency Management at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ALERT.