Snowstorm warning strikes chill ... again

County prepares for another blizzard

Friday, Feb. 5, 2010

Click here to enlarge this photo Staff photo by EMILY BARNES Chris Peck, manager of American Hardware in Waldorf, picks up bags of salt for customers Thursday. E-Mail This Article | Print This Story

Just like Black Friday, Charles County residents were out early and up late looking to snag coveted merchandise before the big day. Only this time, those "have to get" items were shovels, salt, milk and bread before this weekend's snowstorm.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning in effect from this morning until Saturday evening that predicted up to two feet of snow in some areas.

Activity was bustling at stores throughout the county Thursday as residents were heeding the warning of bad weather.

"It's like Christmas when everybody lines up to get the hot new doll but instead they're waiting for snow shovels," said Chris Peck, manager of American Hardware in Waldorf.

American Hardware of Waldorf was bombarded with customers in search of snow shovels and salt since the store opened at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, he said. "It's bananas. … Some people want to put down deposits on snow shovels, and rock salt has been flying out the door." A truck loaded with snow shovels was due to arrive at the store between noon and 4 p.m. and the line was already forming.

Julie Fort of Waldorf said she was hoping to get a shovel to add to the one she and her husband already have. Fort said she was determined to get a shovel Thursday otherwise "we'll have to shovel in shifts."

The National Weather Service Web site — www.weather.gov — predicted "storm total accumulations of 16 to 24 inches" at about 10 a.m. Thursday. "A winter storm warning means significant amounts of snow ... sleet ... and ice are expected or occurring. Strong winds are also possible. This will make travel very hazardous or nearly impossible Friday night," according to the site.

Charles County Emergency Services Director Bill Stephens advised residents to stay home this weekend, not only for their own safety but because they most likely would not be able to get very far otherwise.

"If in fact the weather is as extreme as it's being forecasted, cars won't even be able to move," Stephens said.

The wet, heavy snow predicted for the area will most likely prove a challenge for any vehicle, though Stephens said the county has already mobilized its public facilities department and snow equipment for the impending blizzard.

Residents who do need to get somewhere should make sure their tanks are full and keep blankets and supplies in their cars in case of a breakdown because it will take some time for a rescue, Stephens warned.

Stephens said citizens can monitor the county's Web site — www.charlescounty.org — and check cable Channel 95 for news, updates and cancellations and by registering for the free citizen notification system, residents can sign up for immediate updates from Stephens' department on weather forecasts and other emergency-related information.

Charles County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Diane Richardson said officers would make use of four-wheel drive vehicles pair two officers to each vehicle and place officers strategically around the county for better response time.

Richardson said plans are in place to provide officers and emergency workers a place to stay and meals should the need arise.

Thomas Dennison, spokesman for the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, said Thursday the utility is preparing for the storm.

"We have contractors who work on our system throughout the week — we're going to keep them on the system," he said. The fleet of trucks is getting serviced and will be ready to go to repair outages. Ice and high winds bring down trees onto power lines, knocking power out.

"Ice is always the X factor," he said. Forecasters predict mostly snow."

Charles County's public schools were already scheduled to be closed today for students, but teachers were scheduled to have in-service activities.

Katie O'Malley-Simpson, schools spokeswoman, said Thursday that the in-service activities had been canceled but employees were to report to their schools Friday, though school officials were scheduled to meet Thursday night to determine plans for school events Friday and over the weekend.

Some local businesses will embrace the storm such as Pizza Hotline in Charlotte Hall and La Plata.

Co-owner Chris Heinze said his pizza shops would remain open but he would let delivery drivers decide whether or not to deliver in the storm.

"Usually it's pickup orders, and it's good because everyone is a little more patient," Heinze said from the La Plata store.

Leon Lamont, who owns WOW Café and Wingery in Waldorf with his wife, Allyson, said he usually sees a jump in business following a day of being cooped up inside by the weather.

With the "day after" being Super Bowl Sunday, Lamont expects residents will be "clamoring to get out," or at the very least stopping in to pick up their catered orders of wings for the game-day parties.

Important numbers

The Charles County government has a reference guide on the county's snow removal policy and other tips at www.charlescounty.org. During snowstorms residents can obtain information by calling 888-460-SNOW.

La Plata's snow removal policy is available at www.townoflaplata.org and clicking on the "announcements" link.

Indian Head residents can call the town hall at 301-743-5511 or the Charles County Sheriff's Office District 2 station at 301-743-2222 after hours.

To report power outages, call Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative's hot line at 877-747-6326. Report downed power lines at 888-440-3311.