A state of emergency has been declared in the state of Maryland in view of an approaching winter storm that threatens to cover the state in thick snow.

Announcing the emergency, Maryland governor Larry Hogan said, “We urge Marylanders to take this winter storm seriously, especially residents on the Eastern Shore, where we are anticipating blizzard-like conditions.”

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“Stay off the roads tonight for your own safety, so that the crews and first responders can do their jobs,” he added, advising residents to avoid going out for the duration of the storm.

The Governor has also directed the Maryland National Guard to deploy 125 soldiers and 50 tactical vehicles across the state, especially in Southern Maryland and on the Eastern Shore, to assist people should the need to evacuate arise.

The state of emergency was declared for nine counties across the state, namely, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester counties.

A 24 hour blizzard warning from 7pm Friday to 7pm Saturday has been issued for Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties, which are expected to receive eight to 12 inches of snow and experience wind gusts of over 50 miles per hour over the 24 hour period.

Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties have been issued a winter storm warning between 7pm Friday to 3pm Saturday, and are expected to receive four to nine inches of snow, accompanied by gusts of wind at 40 miles per hour.

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Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Cecil, Harford, and St. Mary’s counties have been issued a winter weather advisory for now, and these counties are expected to experience two to five inches of snowfall.

Montgomery, Charles, Howard, and Prince George counties have also been issued a winter weather advisory and are expected to receive one to three inches of snow.