Snow Squall Warnings Issued For Parts Of Maryland

Blowing snow could make it impossible for drivers to see Wednesday morning, prompting snow squall warnings from the National Weather Service for parts of Maryland. Drivers should slow down and turn on their headlights, since rapidly changing road conditions and visibility are expected.

At 8:08 a.m., officials said radar showed a dangerous snow squall producing snowfall rates of more than 2 inches an hour and lightning from the Taneytown to Fallston areas.

"Be alert for sudden whiteout conditions," the snow squall warning states. "Serious injuries and deaths may result from people exiting their vehicles during a snow squall. Drivers may not be able to see you or to stop! If stopped on the roadway or involved in an accident, quickly exit your vehicle move as far away from the roadway as possible ONLY when it is safe to do so. Do not stand along or near the roadway, since approaching vehicles may be unable to maintain control."

After 8:30 a.m., Harford County Public Schools reported some buses were delayed due to the conditions, issuing this statement: "We are experiencing unexpected snow squalls and weather conditions throughout the county. We are operating on the two-hour delay, but there are parts of the county that will experience bus delays, and we ask for your patience and understanding as this weather event was not expected and our goal is student and staff safety."

Carroll County Public Schools issued this statement before 9 a.m.: "Due to an unanticipated snow squall in some parts of the county, which occurred after buses were already beginning their first routes, some buses may be delayed in picking up students this morning. We encourage you, as parents, to use your discretion in whether you choose to send your child to school today. All weather-related student absences will be excused today."

These areas are under the snow squall warning until 9 a.m. (it was previously set to expire at 8 a.m. but was extended):

• Northern Carroll County
• Northwestern Baltimore County
• Northwestern Harford County

This affects Highway 15 within a mile of the Pennsylvania state line, as well as Interstate 83 from the Pennsylvania state line south to Maryland Highway 137/Mount Carmel Road, officials said. These areas are impacted: Westminster, Emmitsburg, Bel Air North, Fallston, Taneytown, Hampstead, Manchester, Jarrettsville, Pylesville, Sabillasville, Fort Ritchie, Freeland, Cardiff, Norrisville, Bentley Springs, Forest Hill, Street, Keysville, Monkton and Whiteford.

Cecil County is under a separate snow squall warning until 9:15 a.m.

Cecil County Public Schools issued this statement around 8:30 a.m.: "Brief snow squall this morning! CCPS will still operate on a 2-hour delay but bus drivers have been instructed to use caution if this occurs during their morning route, which may cause bus delays. As a reminder, parents can track your child's bus location on the WheresTheBus app."

At 7:44 a.m., officials said a dangerous snow squall was located near Bel Air, about 11 miles northwest of Aberdeen, and was moving east at 65 mph.

Visibility will be extremely poor.

I-95 will be impacted between mile markers 91 and 109 in Maryland and 0 and 16 in Delaware. Elkton, North East, Rising Sun, Charlestown and Cecilton are among the areas impacted.

"Consider avoiding or delaying travel until the snow squall passes your location," the National Weather Service warns. "If you must travel, use extra caution and allow extra time. Rapid changes in visibility and slick road conditions may lead to accidents."