Harford Activates Emergency Operations Center for 'Serious Weather Event'

Harford County is preparing for "yet another winter storm event," public safety officials said Tuesday night.

This round of winter weather, which includes snow and freezing rain, is expected to impact Harford County between 10 p.m. Tuesday and mid-morning Wednesday, the Harford County Department of Emergency Services reported.

"The last weather reports we have received indicate a serious weather event, to include freezing rain and ice will hit Harford County late tonight and into Wednesday morning," Emergency Manager Rick Ayers said.

"Wednesday morning’s commute may be hazardous as snow and rain turn to ice, thus making driving conditions difficult at best," Ayers said.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for Harford County from 7 p.m. Tuesday through 1 p.m. Wednesday. The warning stated that one to two inches of snow and sleet may accumulate, as well as ice one-quarter to one-third-inch thick.

The Harford County Emergency Operations Center will be activated at 7 p.m., meaning emergency management personnel will report to work then, according to the statement from the Department of Emergency Services.

Public works personnel in the highways division will report at 9 p.m. Tuesday and continue through the night to keep roads clear, according to the statement.

Power outages may be an issue, Ayers said.

"Accumulations of ice can bring down tree branches on power lines thereby disrupting electrical service," Ayers said. "Any storm consisting of a mix of snow, freezing rain and ice can be a serious public safety issue."