 Due to a high number of COVID-19 cases, there is a regional shortage of snowplow operators and contractors available to address this storm event. MCDOT will focus on keeping major roads clear and ensuring access to public safety and health facilities and will treat all County maintained roads as soon as possible. Residents may need to wait longer than typical for neighborhood streets to be treated and should visit the County County’s Snow Portal for up-to-date snow-clearing information.  Five One-Minute Videos Answer the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Snow RemovalThese informative videos contain key information about what to expect during snow storms:  When Snow or Ice is Predicted, MCDOT Springs into ActionMCDOT has 200 Highway Services employees and 175 pieces of equipment to handle snow operations. If more resources are needed, contractors can be called upon to immediately provide hundreds of pieces of additional equipment and plow operators. Here’s the basics: - The MCDOT Storm Center opens to monitor conditions.
- The County snowplows have rubber-tipped blades that allow main roads to be plowed early.
- Montgomery County focuses on keeping major roads clear and ensuring access to public safety and health facilities.
- Residential roads are not typically plowed until approximately three inches of snow accumulate and major roads are sufficiently clear.
- MCDOT crews also clear 60 miles of sidewalks along County right-of-ways and three miles of bike paths and trails.
Residents are responsible for shoveling their own sidewalks.  MCDOT is responsible for clearing snow from 5,200 lane miles of County-maintained roads – but this doesn’t include every road in the County. Visit the County's Snow Portal to find out who plows your street. Some other agencies that also handle snow removal include: Maryland State Highway Administration is responsible for clearing state roads located in Montgomery County. These roads are numbered, such as MD355 and RT27. Residents can report issues on state roads, either online or by calling 410-582-5650. Montgomery Parks, which clears snow on roads, bridges and trails inside local parks. Montgomery County Public Schools, which is responsible for sidewalks and parking lots on school property. WMATA, which handles Metro stations and parking lots. |
 Ride On is Currently Operating on a Normal Schedule, Expect DelaysDue to inclement weather, there are significant delays on all routes at this time. Ride On contractors clear nearly 800 bus stops and work to keep transit centers clear of snow and ice. Follow Ride On on Twitter @RideOnMCT for real-time service announcements related to weather.  Both the State of Maryland and Montgomery County have designated certain roads as Snow Emergency Routes and they are prominently marked with red and white signs. When the State and/or County initiates their snow emergency plan, it is illegal to park on these designated roads. Vehicles found blocking snow routes during an emergency may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. State and County snow emergency plans may not be put into effect simultaneously, so pay special attention to news broadcasts when announcements are made. |
 During Snowstorms, When is Parking Free in County Garages?During a County Executive-declared snow emergency in Montgomery County, the MCDOT Director may announce that parking is free in County-owned garages and lots for the duration of the snow emergency. This helps get cars off the roads to aid plowing operations and overall safety. For on-street meters along non-snow emergency roadways, regular parking rates will continue to be charged. |
 Clearing Sidewalks of Snow and Ice - If You Own Property, It's Your ResponsibilityClearing sidewalks within 24 hours after the end of a snowstorm is a civic responsibility that keeps our communities and neighbors safe – and it’s the law. Property owners are required to clear sidewalks in front of and alongside their properties. Be a good neighbor by clearing your sidewalks and assisting those in your neighborhood who may need help. For snow shoveling tips see this video.   Learn More About How to Prevent HypothermiaMontgomery County activates its Extreme Cold Plan when forecasted temperatures, and/or wind chill drops below 32 degrees in any part of the County. This creates a hazardous situation in which hypothermia and frostbite are likely. If you must spend time outdoors in frigid weather, wear layers and take extra precautions. Learn more at bit.ly/2JdmQ3C. FOR MEDIA For media inquiries related to winter weather events, contact Emily Detitta at emily.detitta@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-372-2282. View and download MCDOT's snow photo album at flic.kr/s/aHsmSQ5KDe.  | 
