USA - Storm Brings Snow, Ice, Crashes To Maryland

10.12.2013 237 views

Nearly 8 inches of snow fell Sunday in parts of Frederick County, according to the National Weather Service, and sleet and icy conditions are forecast today.

A spokesman for the NWS said trained weather spotters reported 7.5 inches of snow across the county. On Sunday afternoon, Hagerstown reported nearly 7 inches of accumulation, and Montgomery County reported about 6 inches.

Road crews plowed and treated the roads all day and were scheduled to work overnight. Frederick County Highway Operations trucks were out at 6 a.m. Sunday, said Bill Routzahn, superintendent of the department.

More than 60 county crew members were on the road Sunday, as well as some contractors hired to help with pre-treating. In all, about 90 vehicles were in service or standing by.

Sgt. John Benner, of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, said about 14 of the agency's vehicles were on the road by 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

"There was more snow than I thought there would be, but I will take that over freezing rain any day," Routzahn said. There were some mechanical problems with equipment, Routzahn said, such as hydraulic hoses breaking on the trucks, but nothing critical.

Law enforcement and fire and rescue personnel responded to numerous crashes Sunday as snow blanketed the region. Maryland State Police implemented its snow emergency plan at 9:45 a.m., followed by the city of Frederick at noon. The city also closed the Talley Recreation Center.

"We saw stranded vehicles because it became very slippery," Routzahn said. "The snow fell and the roads glazed over."

A spokesman at Potomac Edison said there were no reported power losses Sunday evening. Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird said there were no power problems in the town, which has its own electric power system.

Icy rain is expected to change to rain today, but the Weather Channel is forecasting another 1 to 3 inches of snow on Tuesday. The rest of the week is forecast to be cloudy but very cold, with temperatures in the 30s at daytime and in the teens at night.

The SHA urged motorists to slow down and give crews space to work. Roads may appear to be clear, but ice is difficult to detect and more difficult to treat than snow, the agency said in a statement. Statewide, more than 1,800 trucks were plowing and treating state numbered roads Sunday.

Routzahn said his office was watching for the potential of 1 to 2 inches of snow on Tuesday.

"But that could change," he said.

Frederick city residents or owners of property in the city are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks for a width of at least 4 feet. This must be completed within six hours after snow has stopped falling or drifting. If the snow falls between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m., the sidewalk must be clear by 1 p.m. the next day. The city can issue a municipal infraction of $100 if snow and ice is not removed within the time and manner of the city code.

Source - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

16.06.2026

India - Harish Rao accuses Congress govt of plotting to scrap crop bonus

BRS deputy floor leader T Harish Rao accused the Congress government of conspiring to phase out the crop bonus scheme by limiting it to just seven paddy varieties, despite promising Rs 500 bonus for all varieties in its manifesto.

16.06.2026

CBE and EIC Forge Historic Partnership to Advance Ethiopia’s Financial Sector

​The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) and the Ethiopian Insurance Corporation (EIC) have signed a historic partnership agreement to elevate their long-standing cooperation. 

16.06.2026

Spain - The Government releases 510.7 million from the Contingency Fund for agricultural insurance and social purposes

The Council of Ministers has given the green light to the use of the Contingency Fund to support several credit modifications for a total amount of 510,706,252.23 euros, with the aim of meeting commitments in agricultural insurance and financing activities of general interest qualified as of social interest.

16.06.2026

Nepal - Poultry sector losses Rs. 500M due to bird flu

Farmers have suffered direct financial losses of more than Rs. 500 million in the past month due to a bird flu outbreak that has spread to three districts of Koshi Province—Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari.

16.06.2026

USA - USDA declares emergency Disaster Declaration for Maryland farmers impacted by crop freeze

The United States Department of Agriculture is stepping in to assist Maryland farmers severely impacted by unexpected frosting in April.

16.06.2026

Cyprus - Foot-and-mouth disease cases rise to 121 livestock units after new Mammari detection

A total of 121 livestock units have been affected by foot-and-mouth disease following the confirmation of a new case announced on Wednesday. 

15.06.2026

India - Satellite Surveys to Bridge Gap Between Farmers’ Losses & Crop Insurance Compensation: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan has stated that in order to bridge the gap between the losses faced by farmers and the compensation they receive through crop insurance, these losses will now be surveyed using satellites. 

15.06.2026

Philippines - DA eyes regional fisheries hub in Northern Samar

The Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to establish a regional fisheries hub in Mapanas, Northern Samar, positioning the area as a potential growth center for Eastern Visayas’ tuna industry.