Montgomery County is Expecting Accumulations of 3-5 Inches of Snow and Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release: Monday, January 15, 2024

Montgomery County is Expecting Accumulations of 3-5 Inches of Snow and Freezing Temperatures

A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for Montgomery County and surrounding areas until 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Snow is beginning to accumulate again and below freezing temperatures will result in icy conditions. Total snowfall accumulations of 3-5 inches are forecast for this event.

 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has treated all roads and crews are reapplying salt on primary roads. Once snow accumulates to three inches, plowing will begin. Residential roads are not typically plowed until about three inches of snow accumulates and major roads are sufficiently clear.

Pavement conditions are expected to deteriorate overnight. MCDOT’s Storm Operations Center will remain mobilized, and crews will be working overnight to keep the roads safe for the traveling public and emergency responders.

 MCDOT’s priority will be to maintain access to public health facilities on major roadways. The County asks residents to avoid driving, if possible, to allow for snow clearing efforts. Ride On buses will be running in the morning. Detours may be necessary if road conditions continue to deteriorate.

 “If you have to travel, please monitor the weather and be safe and smart when traveling,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “If you can avoid driving during the storm, please stay home. Our crews will be out on the roads, and we want to give them plenty of room to operate. We appreciate, and are grateful for, the hard work and diligence of our snow-removal teams.”

MCDOT has seven regional depots that are responsible for clearing snow along 220 plow routes on more than 5,200 lane miles of County roads. The Maryland State Highway Administration clears all State roads in the County. State roads are designated by numbers.

“For residents that need to travel, consider that Ride On buses will be up running in the morning and are a safer option,” said MCDOT Acting Director Maricela Cordova. “These bus routes travel on primary roads and are supported with emergency snowplows when needed.”

 Ride On buses will operate on an S Service Schedule. The span of service is the same as the weekday schedule, with a reduced frequency of service. Riders should check the Ride On website for updates.

More information about snow removal including who plows specific streets, snow-removal status and submitting service requests is available on the Snow Portal.  For tips and best practices on snow- and ice-clearing visit the Salt Wise website.

Residents are urged to sign up for Alert Montgomery for text and email updates concerning weather conditions and closings.

 For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.   

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Release ID: 24-024
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta 240-372-2282
Categories: Snow