What you need to know for this weekend's winter weather

A winter storm is expected to hit Delmarva on Saturday. One-4 inches of snow is predicted for the Delaware beaches and the interior of Sussex County is expected to receive 4-8 inches. Snow accumulations are expected to total 8-12 inches in Northampton County and 6-8 inches in Accomack, Somerset, Worcester and Wicomico counties. Here's what you need to know as the storm approaches:

Maryland

• A snow emergency plan will go into effect in Worcester County at 2 a.m. Saturday. After 2 a.m. all vehicles on the road will have to be equipped with snow tires or snow chains and a parking ban will go into effect on all snow emergency routes in Worcester County. Vehicles left on the shoulder of snow emergency routes after 2 a.m. will be towed.  Anyone with questions can contact the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack at 410-641-3101.

• The town of Ocean City’s Winter Storm Plan is in effect and the Emergency Management personnel are continuing to monitor the storm.  For tips on staying safe during winter storms and cold weather, visit: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather. Ocean City will experience snow and moderate wind gusts.  The projected snow flurries will begin early morning Saturday and last throughout the afternoon hours.

• A  cold weather shelter will be offered at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church for the next three nights, beginning Friday night and ending Monday morning.  The shelter is located at 10301 Coastal Highway in Ocean City and will open at 5 p.m. each night and close each morning at 7 a.m. Guests will receive a hot evening meal and a warm, safe place to spend the night, as well as breakfast in the morning. Vouchers for transportation through Shore Transit and Ocean City Transportation are available by contacting Worcester County Department of Social Services at 410-677-6834 or the Worcester County Health Department at 410-632-3366. The shelter is for homeless Worcester County citizens. For more information about the shelter call, 410-524-7474.

• Somerset County's snow emergency plan will go into effect at 2 a.m. on Saturday and will remain in effect for the duration of the inclement weather. That means vehicles traveling on highways designated as snow emergency routes must be equipped with chains, snow tires or all season radials. Special hauling permits for commercial vehicles are not valid. Law enforcement can clear abandoned vehicles left on the road or on the shoulder.  These vehicle will be towed to a local tow lot until picked up by the owner. A parking ban is imposed on all snow emergency routes during a snow emergency.  Vehicles parked on designated snow emergency routes are subject to removal.

• Maryland residents in affected areas should consider taking the following actions, according to MEMA:

  Closely monitor updated weather forecasts and keep electronic communications devices charged.

  Be cautious shoveling snow or ice to avoid overexertion. Take frequent breaks and keep hydrated.

  If you must travel, make sure to have car chargers and kitty litter or sand for traction. Let friends or family know of your travel route and expected arrival time.

  Never run generators indoors or in closed areas.

  If it is safe to do so, consider clearing off roofs if significant snow has accumulated.

  Know who to contact in the case of a power outage. Emergency phone numbers for utility companies can be found here: http://mema.maryland.gov/Pages/PowerOutages.aspx

  Traffic, weather and power outage alerts, as well as winter preparedness information, can be accessed on the Maryland Emergency Management Agency’s website at mema.maryland.gov.

Virginia

• On Friday, Gov. Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency and urged residents of the Commonwealth to prepare for impacts from a winter storm system. In declaring a state of emergency, the governor authorizes state agencies to identify and position resources for quick response anywhere they are needed in Virginia. 

• Virginia Department of Transportation crews are on 24-hour operations and are pretreating roads where temperatures permit. Motorists are strongly encouraged to stay off the roads during the storm. For information about road and traffic conditions, check www.511virginia.org or call 511 before traveling.

• The Port of Virginia will close Friday at midnight. Commercial  vessels will be prohibited from entering and departing the Chesapeake Bay.  The forecasted snow and wind in the area is likely to create particularly hazardous conditions, to include zero visibility for those on shore and on the water. Due to the forecasted conditions, it may difficult for Coast Guard units to get underway to assist distressed mariners on the water. Recreational vessels and casual boaters and encouraged to  wait for the hazardous conditions to pass.

• The Virginia National Guard has been authorized to bring 200 personnel on state active duty to assist with the response. They will begin staging at key locations in the Hampton Roads area Friday night to be ready for duty Saturday morning. 

Delaware

• Georgetown will activate its  snow emergency plan at midnight Friday. Parking restrictions will apply to designated snow emergency routes to make it easier for equipment to clear snow from the streets. The following streets are emergency snow routes: East Market Street, West Market Street, North Bedford Street, South Bedford Street, Bridgeville Road, East Pine Street, West Pine Street, North Race Street, South Race Street, North Front Street, South Front Street, East Laurel Street – North Bedford Street to North Race Street, West Laurel Street – North Bedford Street to North Front Street, Edward Street – North Bedford Street to North Front Street and West North Street – North Bedford Street to DuPont Highway (Route 113).  Vehicles parked along these streets may be subject to towing if not removed by the owner.  Town ordinance also states that the sidewalks be cleared within 24 hours after a snowfall. Residents with a fire hydrant near their property are asked to take an extra minute or two to ensure that it is cleared and visible.

Additional information

• Winter weather and snowfall can lead to power outages, and extended outages present a risk to safe food storage. Worcester County Health Department offers the following tips: 

1. After a power outage, perishable foods without refrigeration (and from the freezer) that have a temperature above 41°F should be discarded; this includes meats, milk, yogurt, eggs, mayonnaise, cream dressings, pastas and desserts.
2. If your power comes back on after food in your freezer has begun to thaw, use a stem thermometer to check the temperature in your freezer. Food stored in the freezer at 41°F or colder is safe and may be refrozen. If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer, check each package of food to determine the safety.
3. If ice crystals are on the food package it is colder than 41°F. Do not rely on appearance or odor: when in doubt, throw it out. Wash hands after contact with raw meats and poultry.