Snow that began to fall in Baltimore County early Tuesday morning complicated morning commutes and prompted public schools to close.
"Between now and noon the bulk of the snow will fall," said National Weather Service meterologist Chris Strong, "This is going to bring some cold air behind it and freezing temperatures. But by Friday we'll see temperatures above freezing."
Between two and four inches was being forecast by the National Weather Service, but the effect on rush-hour traffic on Tuesday morning was in evidence throughout the region.
"This is an Alberta Clipper: a fast-moving, low-pressure system moving out of western Canada bringing us some snow this morning," Strong said.
The weather prompted Baltimore County public schools to close for the day. It was the first of seven days allotted for snow, said Dolores Pierorazio of Baltimore County Public Schools.
Baltimore County government had no delays, said Lauren Watley, a county spokeswoman.
Baltimore County's Department of Public Works deployed 381 pieces of equipment and 472 personnel to clear the roads that have accumulated an inch of snow countywide, Watley said.
"All primary roads have been salted and 50 percent of secondary roads have been salted," Watley said. "Once the roads have been salted, they can begin to plow the roads."
Watley said the county has spent $182,857 of its annual snowstorm budget that is close to $6 million.
Costs for Tuesday's storm will be released in about two days, Watley said.
Watley advised motorists to exercise caution on roads.
"Keep your speed down and leave extra time for your commute today," Watley said.
According to the county website, scheduled trash and recycling collections will occur where and when it is possible. All three trash drop-off centers are open with normal operating hours, the website says. Seniors centers and CountyRide will continue to operate on their normal schedules.
All programs and activities at county recreation centers are closed today, county information says. All morning storytimes have been canceled at Baltimore County public libraries, their website says.
To get the latest updates on the snow storm from Baltimore County, follow Snowfighter updates at baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/publicworks/SnowFighter/