Police Lift Snow Emergency In Cecil County

CECIL COUNTY, MD — Snow has blanketed Cecil County, and power outages have been problematic, according to Maryland State Police.

"Local emergency crews and power companies are diligently working to restore power as a result of this storm," police said Tuesday night. "Residents are asked to remain off the roadways to allow crews a safe working environment to complete their task."

Public schools in Cecil County will be closed on Wednesday, March 15, due to widespread power outages and road closures, officials announced Tuesday. School offices will open at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

Although Maryland State Police said the snow emergency plan was lifted at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, authorities said drivers should be aware that roads may be icy and traffic signals may be out.

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How much are we going to get? Snow and sleet will measure anywhere from 5 to 10 inches, the National Weather Service says. There may also be a light glaze of ice.

When is it going to hit? A winter storm warning is in effect until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14. Precipitation will continue into the early afternoon, and snow will mix with sleet and freezing rain.

Will schools be closed? Cecil County Public Schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, March 14.

Are other offices closing?

• Cecil County employees are on liberal leave for Tuesday, March 14.
• Cecil Transit services have been suspended on Tuesday, March 14.
• Penn Line Train 520 (12:20 p.m. departure from Union Station) will terminate at Aberdeen Tuesday. No alternate service will be provided between Aberdeen and Perryville.
• Penn Line Train 537 (2:30 p.m. departure from Perryville) will originate in Aberdeen Tuesday. No alternate service will be provided between Perryville and Aberdeen. This is due to switch and signal problems south of Perryville. Amtrak has not yet provided an estimate for restoration of service.
• Amtrak train 151 will not operate on Tuesday, March 14. This train honors MARC weekly and monthly passes only from Perryville, Aberdeen and Edgewood stations.

How can I prepare? Charge electronic devices and make sure you have batteries, a snow shovel and salt as well as food and water. Fill up the gas tank in your car. Check on neighbors and older adults. In the event of a power outage, contact Delmarva Power at 1-800-898-8042 or report a Delmarva Power outage online. BGE customers may call BGE at 1-877-778-2222 or report the BGE outage online.

Now what? Restrict travel when the snow hits. Travel will be dangerous during the winter storm warning period and should only be done in an emergency. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle. Keep fire hydrants free from snow. Cecil County has declared a snow emergency, meaning parking is prohibited on roads designated as snow emergency routes. Vehicles parked there may be towed.

Flight Delays: Flights from many East Coast cities are being delayed as the storm moves in Monday evening. You can check for delays at BWI, Dulles, Reagan and other airports.

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