State Urges Travelers to Pay Close Attention to Weather Forecasts and Plan Accordingly

(September 28, 2016) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is prepared for any potential impacts as a result of heavy rainfall forecasted for the next three days.  The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for much of Maryland.

“Drivers need to be extremely cautious during heavy rains.  From reduced visibility, potential hydroplaning, and flooded roadways, driving conditions will not be ideal and we all need to adjust for safety,” said SHA Administrator Gregory C. Johnson, P.E.  “Do not try to drive through high water or flooded roadways. It does not take much water to lose control of your vehicle and endanger yourself and others.”

SHA maintenance crews are inspecting, cleaning and clearing storm water ditches, drains and inlets.  Crews from SHA maintenance facilities also evaluated all emergency response equipment such as high water signs, chainsaws, chippers, loaders and grading trucks.

The approaching storm could result in scattered power outages.  SHA reminds motorists that if you encounter an intersection where traffic signals are without power, by law, all drivers must treat the intersection as a four-way stop.  Maryland law requires that when windshield wipers are in operation, low-beam headlights must be on.

SHA also advises motorists to stay aware of the forecast and, should heavy rain and high wind begin to affect the area, curtail travel as much as possible.  Click here for information about flooded roads.

For real-time travel information, SHA invites motorists to log onto www.md511.org or 5-1-1 from a hands-free mobile device.