Winter Weather On The Way, Advisories Expand To Include Most Of Md.

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for much of Maryland Tuesday into Wednesday morning, according to WJZ's Bob Turk.

Snow moved into western Maryland early Tuesday afternoon.

In Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties, a Winter Weather Advisory went into affect at 7 a.m. and expired at 10 p.m. Tuesday. The advisory affected Central, Eastern Allegany, and Washington Counties.

In the Baltimore area -- including Baltimore, Harford, Carroll and Frederick Counties -- a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 4 p.m. Tuesday to 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Elsewhere in Maryland -- including Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's and Charles Counties -- a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 9 p.m. Tuesday to 9 a.m. Wednesday.

"Light snow is likely to cause some traffic issues in the morning tomorrow," Turk says.

He says there could be up to an inch of snow in Baltimore and the surrounding counties.

Governor Larry Hogan is warning people in Maryland to plan ahead and to keep an eye on the forecasts.

A Code Blue Alert has been issued for Wednesday night through Thursday morning by the Baltimore City Health Department.

"As we continue to battle dangerously low temperatures, it is important for us to remember that hypothermia, or low body temperature, can be just as dangerous as extreme heat, and every year, there are Baltimoreans who die due to hypothermia," said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen. "I encourage residents to stay indoors in heated areas during these periods. Please help those around you who are the most vulnerable to the cold, including children, the elderly, and people with chronic medical illnesses."

Last winter, 12 died from hypothermia in Baltimore City. So far this winter, there have been eight hypothermia-related deaths.

Code Blue indicates an increased risk for cold injuries or even death for those exposed to low temperatures. Once a Code Blue declaration is made, public messaging activities are undertaken to encourage safety and response partners work to ensure those in need find sheltering. During the Code Blue season, which began November 15, 2017 and lasts until March 15, 2018, City agencies work together to:

• Distribute meals to at-risk senior citizens;
• Provide home weatherization services;
• Help individuals apply for emergency assistance; and
• Provide additional cold weather education and outreach efforts

Throughout the Code Blue season, The Mayor's Office of Human Services' Office of Homeless Services also works with city homeless shelter providers to extend shelter hours and to provide expanded bed capacity.

Cold Weather Tips for Staying Healthy:

• Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing.
• Always wear a head covering, like a hat and/or scarf, when outdoors.
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Protect yourself against falls in icy or snowy conditions.
• Check on those who are the most vulnerable, including children, the elderly and/or chronically ill. For babies, follow the ABCDs of infant safe sleep (see resource guide here).
• Provide appropriate shelter for domestic animals.

Other Tips for Keeping Safe in Cold Weather:

• Keep space heaters and candles away from flammable materials, such as curtains, furniture and loose clothing.
• Check your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they are working.
• Do not use prohibited heat or power sources, such as stoves or generators. They may cause fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Do not leave your car running in a closed space such as a garage.

Baltimore City Community Action Partnership centers, public libraries, and senior centers will serve as warming centers for the public during their normal business hours.  For warming center locations and hours, visit https://health.baltimorecity.gov/emergency-preparedness-response/code-blue or call 311.

Residents are encouraged to contact 311 if a neighbor is without heat or power so that city agencies can assist them. Energy assistance may be available to those who need it. For more information, individuals may contact one of the regional Community Action Partnership centers in Baltimore or call the Office of Home Energy Programs at 410-396-5555.

For more information about Code Blue, visit https://health.baltimorecity.gov/emergency-preparedness-response/code-blue.

For other cold-related inquiries and service requests, or to find a nearby homeless shelter, residents can call 311 or 211.

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