Maryland governor advises residents to "use common sense" during bomb cyclone snow storm; 2-3" accumulation expected in Rockville

A winter storm affecting the entire state of Maryland today is now expected to result in 2-3" of snow accumulation in Bethesda and Rockville, according to the National Weather Service. Parts of Montgomery County further north could receive between 3" and 5", the agency said at 4:34 AM this morning. Accuweather is predicting a smaller total of "an inch or two." Of greater concern will be the high winds, which are expected to gust up to 55 MPH at times.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R)

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) advised residents to "[s]tay tuned to your local news stations for updates, heed warnings from state and local authorities, and most importantly, use common sense." Meteorologists are describing the storm as a "bomb cyclone." What is a bomb cyclone or bombogenesis? A storm that strengthens quickly at its beginning, with a rapid fall in barometric pressure over a shorter period of time, is how Accuweather defines the terms. The high winds expected today are a typical characteristic of a bomb cyclone storm.

Because of the high winds, which may continue until 1:00 AM Sunday morning, any loose objects in yards or on balconies should be tied down or brought indoors as early as possible this morning. Winds are expected to cause power outages and falling trees across the area through early Sunday. We are now under a wind advisory and winter weather advisory.

Lowest gas prices in Rockville and Montgomery County at this hour

Gas in the $3-$4 range is a distant memory now. The lowest gas prices reported across Montgomery County at this hour are all over $4 a gallon, according to GasBuddy.com. This is still way, way lower than folks are paying in places like California. 

Remember that prices are changing by the minute and the hour, and therefore are subject to change. In general, Rockville and the River Road commercial strip in Bethesda are still the places to find the lowest gas prices in Montgomery County as of today.

$4.09 Liberty - 5400 Randolph Road, Rockville

$4.09 Liberty - 623 S. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg

$4.09 Liberty - 19205 Watkins Mill Road, Gaithersburg

$4.09 (cash) Marathon - 5143 River Road, Bethesda

$4.15 Valero - 10616 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington

Car stolen from Rockville apartment complex

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a stolen vehicle at an apartment complex in Rockville yesterday. The vehicle was parked in a residential parking lot in the 100 block of Halpine Road. The Residences at Congressional Village apartments are located there. Crime data indicates that the vehicle is believed to have been stolen sometime between 9:00 PM Wednesday night, and 6:15 AM yesterday morning.

Winter weather advisory issued for Rockville, Montgomery County Saturday, 1-2" snow accumulation possible

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory that includes Montgomery County for tomorrow, Saturday, March 12, 2022, from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Accuweather and the NWS are forecasting a potential accumulation of 1-to-2 inches of snow. 

While snow is not expected to accumulate by any significant degree on roads and sidewalks, due to warmer temperatures, they will still be slippery from mixed precipitation. Winds may gust up to 50 MPH, causing trees and limbs to fall, and power outages. 

Rain is expected to begin after midnight tonight, and turn to snow around 10:00-11:00 AM Saturday. The temperature will steadily drop throughout the day on Saturday, reaching a brutal low of 19 degrees at 6:00 AM Sunday, with potential for icy spots on wet surfaces. 

Image courtesy National Weather Service

Assault reported at Rockville nursing home

Rockville police were called to investigate a second-degree assault at a nursing home early yesterday afternoon, March 10, 2022. The assault was reported at a facility in the 1200 block of Potomac Valley Road at 1:55 PM, according to crime data.

Qdoba opens in Rockville

Qdoba Mexican Eats is now open at 16260 Frederick Road in the Rock Grove shopping center in Rockville. This is Qdoba's second location in the Rockville area; the chain has an existing restaurant at 128 Rollins Avenue. New at Qdoba are four new sauces and toppings, and Cholula Hot & Sweet Chicken, made with Cholula hot sauce and real honey.

Galito's nears opening of first U.S. location in Rockville (Photos)

Galito's is nearing its American debut at 15918 Shady Grove Road in the Shady Grove Center, on the border of Rockville and Gaithersburg. The South African flame-grilled chicken chain hasn't announced an opening date publicly yet, but as you can see, the interior is nearing completion. 

Galito's has announced what the opening specials will be: a full chicken with one side item for $19.00, and a 1/4 chicken with french fries for $6.90. The restaurant is also currently hiring grillers, expediters, and cashiers, with a starting salary of $15-$20.