ROCKVILLE DECLARES SNOW EMERGENCY + HOW MANY INCHES OF SNOW TO EXPECT

The City of Rockville has declared a snow emergency, as a major winter storm approaches the city. A snow emergency means residents should remove vehicles from streets by 6 PM tonight. If there is not adequate space to do so, residents are asked to park on the even-numbered side of the street. These non-mandatory requests are meant to make it easier for snowplow drivers to navigate streets, and speed up the snow removal process.

What is mandatory, is the city's snow-shoveling law:

Snow must be removed from sidewalks, steps, driveways, parking spaces and similar paved areas for public use (including access ramps and curbs) within 48 hours after a snowfall of three to 10 inches and within 72 hours after a snowfall of more than 10 inches. When clearing paved areas, provide a safe, unobstructed, passable path 36 inches wide.

Residents are asked to avoid driving during the storm, if possible. If you have a non-emergency weather-related issue to report to city police, call 240-314-8900. For emergencies, obviously, call 911.

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley has declared a snow emergency for the state, as well.

ROCKVILLE FORECAST

Heavy snow is expected to begin falling during the evening rush hour tonight. Current projections are for 3-6" tonight, and 4-8" Thursday, for a total of up to 10". The high today will be 30-32 F, and the high Thursday will be 34 F.