LA PLATA, Md. (Feb. 05, 2010)—As of noon today, Charles County Commissioner President Wayne Cooper has declared a State of Emergency for Charles County due to inclement weather and deteriorating conditions.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has placed Charles County under a Winter Storm Warning from 10 a.m. today until 10 p.m. on Saturday, February 6. NWS is forecasting snow accumulations of up to 30 inches accompanied by wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour.
The county government will close at 1:30 p.m. today, and will remain closed through Saturday, February 6.
The Tri-County Animal Shelter, Charles County Landfill and Recycling Center in Waldorf, and all outlying recycling areas: Pisgah, Gilbert Run, and Breeze Farm in Cobb Island, will also be closed. VanGO service will not operate on Saturday.
These closures do not include Emergency Services personnel or those assigned to work during the storm conditions.
Citizens who live in neighborhoods with narrow streets are encouraged to park vehicles in driveways, whenever possible, to allow maximum passage of snow equipment.
Citizens are encouraged to stay home and refrain from travel. Citizens who must travel are encouraged to take appropriate precautions: Turn on your lights to increase visibility to other motorists; use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills; be especially careful on bridges, overpasses, and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first; and do not pass snow plows and sanding trucks.
If you must travel, please be prepared with a survival kit in your vehicle. Survival kits should include: working flashlight and extra batteries, reflective triangles and bright-colored cloth, compass, first aid kit, exterior windshield cleaner, ice scraper and snow brush, and non-perishable, high-energy food.