Laurel keeps an eye on the weather as wintry mix predicted

Laurel is gearing up for what could be some wintry weather after the National Weather Service issued a winter weather watch for the area beginning early Sunday morning and continuing through Monday morning.

City officials said there's a good chance Laurel could see some snow and ice, and if freezing rain is part of the mix, it could combine with ice to cause power outages.

With an eye on the weather, city officials released these tips and suggestions on Friday:

Family and household preparations: Have flashlights , battery-operated lanterns and a battery-operated radio; make sure you have fresh batteries for flashlights and radios; keep mobile devices and medical devices charged; have food that does not need to be heated up; make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order; and make plans now for how to take care of infants, seniors, pets and other special needs if the power goes out.

Car preparations: Make sure to have a scraper in the car; fill up windshield washer fluid; put a blanket in the car in case cars get stranded; and fill up the gas tank.

Report power outages: Call BGE at 1-877-778-2222.

If snow falls and needs to be plowed, the city's snow removal policy will go into effect. Cars parked on snow emergency routes must be moved, and owners must clear sidewalks of snow within 12 hours after the snowfall ends.

To report dangerous roads or for snow plowing information, city residents should contact the Laurel Department of Public Works at 301-725-0088.