Published: December 16, 2008 11:31 pm      

Winter storm accidents

Winter storm leads to several area accidents

CUMBERLAND — Several accidents were reported throughout the region Tuesday when a winter storm slapped the region.

A National Weather Service winter storm warning posted late Monday afternoon was in effect until 11 a.m. Tuesday for Allegany and Garrett counties as well as Grant, Mineral, Hampshire, Morgan, Berkeley and Hardy counties in West Virginia.

The snow emergency plan was placed in effect at 11 a.m. in Garrett County and at 3 p.m. in Allegany County.

Sleet and snow began at about 9:15 a.m. in Frostburg where state highway trucks were immediately laying abrasives on state roads in anticipation of predicting freezing rain.

By mid-afternoon, accidents were reported on eastbound Interstate 68 at Finzel and on state Route 135 at Bloomington. About a half-dozen motorists required assistance when they traveled off slippery roads in the county, according to the Mineral County Office of Emergency Services, Homeland Security/911.

None of the incidents were initially believed to have involved serious injuries.

The NWS forecast indicated a .25-inch coating of ice could result from the winter storm along with 2-4 inches of snow in the higher elevations by late Tuesday night. High winds were also expected to move into the region.

“If you have to do any travel west, make sure you have your winter storm kit with you,” said Tim Thomas, NWS observer in Cumberland. “It will be worst in the mountainous area above elevation of 1,500 feet.”

Winter storm kits typically include flashlight, radio, batteries, food, water, blankets, kitty litter, portable shovel, etc., in the event of becoming stranded in extreme winter weather.

The severe weather prompted early dismissal by two hours Tuesday of schools in Allegany and Mineral counties.

Contact Jeffrey Alderton at jlalderton@times-news.com.