Storm Closes County Roads, Libraries; Leaves 60 MCPS Schools Without Power

The surprise storm that ripped through Rockville this morning has left isolated damage and 75, households without power in Montgomery County, including 60 schools without power.

Downed tree near Peg Sante Park

Over 100 traffic signals are not working. Drivers are required to treat those as four way stops.

Look, a downed tree! This happened just this morning.

A number of upcounty roads are closed (as well as some Potomac roads) as of about noon:

• Seven Locks Road at Bells Mill Road (Potomac)
• Bethesda Church Road (Clarksburg)
• Blunt Road (Germantown)
• Brookeville Road at Georgia Ave (Brookeville)
• Zion Road (Laytonsville)
• Kinglsey Road at Stringtown Road (Clarksburg)
• Prices Distillery Road at Lewisdale Road (Clarksburg)
• Wildcat Road at Davis Mill Road (Germantown)
• Cross Laurel Drive at Blunt Road (Germantown)
• Glennon Drive (North Potomac)

These Montgomery County facilities are closed.

• Brookside Nature Center
• Cabin John Regional Park train
• Chevy Chase Library
• Coffield Community Center
• Dennis Avenue Health Center
• Holiday Park Senior Center
• Long Branch Community Center
• Longwood Community Center
• Schweinhaut Senior Center
• Silver Spring Library
• Wheaton Community Center
• Wheaton Library
• Wheaton Regional Park train and carousel
• White Oak Library

Montgomery County Public Schools web site has announced that these schools are without power as of 9:45 am (bold schools are in Rockville):

• Albert Einstein HS
• Arcola ES
• Bannockburn ES
• Barnsley ES
• Bells Mill ES
• Blair HS
• Burning Tree ES
• Burnt Mills ES
• Carl Sandburg Center
• Col. E. Brooke Lee MS
• College Gardens ES
• Cresthaven ES
• Damascus HS
• Farmland
• Forest Knolls ES
• Francis Scott Key MS
• Frost MS
• Gaithersburg ES
• Gaithersburg HS
• Gaithersburg MS
• Glen Haven ES
• Glenallan ES
• Highland ES
• Highland View ES
• Jackson Road ES
• Kemp Mill ES
• Lynnbrook annex
• Matsunaga
• Montgomery Knolls ES
• Montrose Center
• New Hampshire Estates ES
• Newport Mill MS
• Northwood HS
• Oak View ES
• Pine Crest ES
• Poole MS
• Rock Terrace
• Rolling Terrace ES
• Roscoe Nix ES
• Rosemont ES
• Silver Spring International MS
• Sligo Creek ES
• Sligo MS
• Spring Mill Center
• Springbrook HS
• Stedwick ES
• Summit Hall ES
• Thomas S. Wootton HS
• Washington Grove ES
• Watkins Mill HS
• Westover ES
• White Oak MS

Good Rockville Weathercams

Wondering what the weather is like? When heavy storms like the one that just rolled through hit, sometimes it’s good to be able to see what the weather’s like at a distance from where you happen to be.

Weatherbug, a local weather company, has a nice network of live weather cameras, including a number in Rockville and Montgomery County.

Not all are reliable (some are stuck in 2009, if you look at the date stamps) but two that are pretty rock-solid are at Richard Montgomery High School and College Gardens Elementary School.

Click each image to go right to the relevant page for each.

Richard Montgomery High School:

RMHS Weather Cam

. . . . . . . . . .

College Gardens Elementary School:

CGES Weather Cam

. . . . . . . . . .

Special Bonus! The Robert Frost Middle School camera is often a good one, but it appears to have lost power this morning so it is stuck at 7:11 am. Also, it is in a part of Rockville that isn’t right near Richard Montgomery and College gardens, so it can give you a better sense of weather across Our Fair City. In case you are visiting this page in the future, here it is for you.

Robert Frost Middle School

RFMS Weather Camera

Watch For A Possible Winter Storm This Thursday

>Alert Montomery is notifying residents about yet another possible snow accumulation this Thursday, March February 25, 2010:

Another significant Nor’easter expected on Thursday. 5+ inches of snowfall possible with this approaching system. High winds may lead to widespread power outages. Residents are encouraged to begin Winter Storm preparations now.

The National Weather Service has issued a WINTER STORM WATCH for Montgomery County until Thursday night. A strong low pressure system is expected to develop off the Carolina coast and move East of the region Thursday. Current indications suggest this will be an all snow event for the County. Residents should begin Winter Storm preparations which should consider the potential of significant (5+in) snow accumulations within the next 48 hours.

If you haven’t already, you should sign up for Montgomery County’s Roam Secure Alert Network. The service can let you know immediately about a major crisis, emergency, or severe weather event. The alerts are issued only for important situations such as water main breaks, tornado warnings, etc. You can get them by e-mail, cell phone, or pager.

Also, Rockville has its own service, Alert Rockville, which you should also sign up for to stay safe.

Let’s hope we don’t get too much snow this time around. I don’t think we can take much more. My ice dam finally fell off the roof today and we don’t need another!

Schools To Open Two Hours Late Tomorrow (Tues. 2/16)

On the first day of school after a very long and unanticipated snowcation, it appears >Montgomery County Public Schools are on a two hour delay tomorrow. This from MCPS:

Montgomery County Public Schools will open two hours late on Tuesday, February 16, due to emergency weather conditions. Bus service will be provided on a two-hour-delayed schedule. Morning prekindergarten, morning half-day Head Start, other morning half-day programs and field trips are canceled. Other activities and programs that begin at 10:30 a.m. or earlier are canceled. Administrative offices will be open on time. Day care programs in school buildings will remain open as scheduled.

It's An Actual Blizzard, Stay Home

Just in (8am on 2/10) from the National Weather Service:>

The National Weather Service has issued a BLIZZARD WARNING for Montgomery County until 7PM this Evening. Residents should prepare for very heavy snow and high winds during the next 12-18 hours. 12″ of snowfall possible with this storm.

This is a dangerous and potentially life threatening situation. Whiteout conditions are possible as visibility may be reduced to 1/4 mile or less for 3 or more hours. Blowing snow, and wind speeds over 35 miles per hour are expected which may cause snow drifts. If traveling outdoors, hypothermia and frostbite may occur within 30 minutes on any exposed skin

Travel may become extremely hazardous if not impossible. Residents should remain off the roads or use extreme caution during any travel.

Rockville Readying For More Snow — Pitch In And Be Prepared

As most in the area know, we are expecting another snow storm that may dump five inches and more in a region from DC north along the eastern seaboard. Double-whammy time, and I know for a fact that there are a number of secondary streets in Rockville that have not yet been touched by our hard-working road crews. The City is doing its level best to keep up and get in place for the next snowfall. There’s a >message on the City web site that asks residents to keep cars off the street and to be as patient as possible:

The City of Rockville thanks residents for their patience and understanding as we deal with the effects of this historic storm. We are working as hard as possible to clear all 160 miles of City streets.

All available personnel and equipment has been deployed around the clock to clear roads and the City is securing additional equipment to assist. Primary roads are clear and crews are working on secondary roads, as they are now the priority.

City crews are working as quickly as possible to clear the neighborhood streets, but the expected snowfall on Tuesday and Wednesday this week may delay progress on secondary roads, as crews may be required to clear primary streets again.

Residents are asked to stay off the roads to allow crews the space to plow.

Residents are asked to move cars off of roads now and keep them off of the roads during the coming snowfall, as some roads have not been plowed and others will need to be plowed again. Residents may move cars into community center parking lots or the three Town Center parking garages. Parking fees are suspended in the Town Center parking garages through Thursday, Feb. 11.

Recycling and refuse collection has been suspended indefinitely as those crews have been reassigned to clear streets.

If you require emergency transport assistance call the Fire and Rescue Service at 240-773-0027.

Here’s my take: Given the unprecedented nature of this snow emergency, we are playing catch-up. It is important to note that secondary streets that are not yet plowed by the time of the new snowfall may have to wait even longer than expected.

People who are on those yet-unplowed streets ought to plan accordingly. Those who are able to get out and about might check on their neighbors — maybe there are people next door who do not have the ability to get around in the deep snow and could use some groceries or other support. Private individuals who own their own snow removal equipment, if they are not otherwise occupied with critical activities, might consider helping a few neighborhood streets out. We need to pull together in a situation like this. Our Fair City is doing what it can but we can all pitch in, too. The more we work together, and keep a good attitude, the more resilient we will be as a community.

If your street is not yet plowed, please post it here in the comments — and if it gets plowed, post that too! Maybe we can make this spot a resource so we can know who needs attention and what resources there are that we can bring to bear. Share your stories. Be constructive and helpful.

We’ll make it through, but there may be some tough sledding ahead. Better to anticipate the worst and be pleasantly surprised, than hope for the best and be disappointed.

Schools Closed Monday And Tuesday (Feb. 8 & 9)

Thank you to >Montgomery County Public Schools for letting us know in plenty of time: Schools will be CLOSED on Monday and Tuesday, February 8 and 9. Here’s the official notice:

MCPS schools closed Monday (2/8) and Tuesday (2/9) due to emergency weather conditions. Administrative offices closed Monday.

Keeping Pets Safe During The Storm

As >Rockville Central readers know, another of my very favorite local institutions is Animal Exchange (along with Carmen’s).

My friend and AX owner Ruth Hanessian has passed along some excellent — and important — tips to keep in mind during the storm when it comes to keeping your pets safe:

We have been getting calls from people with no power during this storm so I thought I”d share a few tips for your pets:

• We are open and there is someone here if you need and can move your bird, small animal small fish bowl or reptile and amphibian. Call first for guidelines. 301-424-PETS
• Feed any animal that maintains it’s own body temperature lots of extra food. Keep them in as small an area as possible to conserve their heat. Cover the top of bird cages but remember they do not eat in the dark so leave plenty of light. Rodents and rabbits need a box or bed to crawl into. Then their body heat will stay with them.
• If your pet is a reasonable sized reptile, put it in a cloth bag and tuck it under your jacket. Your body heat will be sufficient.
• Fish tanks and amphibians will benefit by having closed jars of hot water put in the tank. Change to more hot water frequently. Don’t forget to lower the water level in the tank before you add the bottles. If you have a heavily loaded tank and the filter is out, stir the water occasionally and do not feed very much until the temperature goes back up.

This has been, I hope, a once in a lifetime snow event and all of us at Animal Exchange have made it thru. We hope you are safe and sound with all your pets too.

Schools To Close Early Today, Fri. Feb. 5

From >Montgomery County Public Schools:

Montgomery County Public Schools are opening on time today (Friday, February 5) but will close early due to emergency weather conditions. Schools will dismiss students two and one-half hours earlier than the regular closing time. Students in morning pre-kindergarten programs and morning half-day Head Start will be dismissed at 10:30 a.m. Afternoon pre-kindergarten and other early childhood programs are canceled. All school activities and community activities in school buildings also are canceled. Day care programs in school buildings will remain open as scheduled.

In addition, keep an eye on this post, where we will add updates about other cancellations due to weather.

Rockville: Don't Park On The Street This Weekend

From the city of Rockville, in anticipation of Snowpocalypse 2:>

The City of Rockville is asking residents to help with snow removal efforts this weekend to help ensure that roads are cleared as efficiently as possible.

Residents are asked to remove all vehicles from roads, including neighborhood streets. All vehicles should be parked in garages and driveways whenever possible.

Typically, those without garages or driveways are asked to park on a designated side of the street. However, because the predicted storm this weekend is for a significant amount of snow, the City is asking residents to remove all vehicles from the road.

Residents with garages or driveways should park all vehicles off the street. Those without a garage or driveway are asked to find alternate parking arrangements when possible.

During this weekend’s snowstorm, residents are reminded of the snow ordinance, which states:

• Snow must be removed from sidewalks, steps, driveways, parking spaces and similar paved areas for public use (including access ramps and curbs) within 48 hours after a snowfall of more than three inches.
• When clearing paved areas, provide a safe, unobstructed, passable path 36 inches wide.
• Ice must be removed or treated within 24 hours, and surfaces must be treated to prevent re-freezing.

The City snow ordinance is in place to ensure the safe passage of pedestrians, and to ensure they do not have to walk in the road.

For more information about the policy, contact the Public Works Department at 240-314-8566.

Montgomery County Schools Closed Today Weds. Feb. 3

From the >school district:

Montgomery County Public Schools are closed today due to emergency weather conditions. All school and community activities in school buildings also are canceled. All administrative offices are open. Day care programs in school buildings will remain open as scheduled.

Snow day, kids!

Flood Warning From National Weather Service For Potomac River

While the Potomac River is not exactly in the Rockville Central coverage area, we thought this might be a useful bit of information to have:>

Flood Warning for areas bordering the Potomac River. The river will be at or above Flood Stage by Wed morning. Safety precautions should be taken until the water recedes.

That’s from the Montgomery County alert system. Here it is a little more raw, direct form the National Weather Service:

* FORECAST…RISE ABOVE FLOOD STAGE BY EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING AND CONTINUE TO RISE TO NEAR 10.9 FEET BY WEDNESDAY EARLY AFTERNOON. THE RIVER WILL FALL BELOW FLOOD STAGE BY WEDNESDAY BEFORE MIDNIGHT. AT 10.0 FEET, THE RIVER WILL BEGIN TO OVERFLOW INTO LOW LYING AREAS ON THE MARYLAND SIDE OF THE RIVER WITH SEVERAL BOAT HOUSES DOWNSTREAM BEGINNING TO FLOOD.

If you have reason to go near the Potomac, please be safe.