From Appalachians to Philly, people get ready for heavy snow

In Maryland, crews got stuck in lengthy backups Wednesday night, slowing their progress, state Department of Transportation spokesman Charlie Gischlar said.

In northern Virginia, minor accidents built to gridlock and ramp closures continued through the night, Virginia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Jennifer McCord said.

With more winter weather approaching, people throughout the region readied themselves for blocked roads, power outages and canceled flights.

Mitchell Gaines of the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey, said people should be prepared for strong winds, heavy, wet snow and power outages.

In the District of Columbia, Mayor Muriel Bowser requested Humvees from the National Guard to reach isolated people and places if necessary.

Snow in much of Kentucky and Tennessee led school districts and some universities to cancel classes Wednesday and contributed to at least one traffic death, and officials warned motorists to be cautious of slick roads.

Mike Dunn, deputy communications director for Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, said city trucks would start treating some streets Wednesday night.

PennDOT mechanics were busy making sure trucks were cleaned and in good repair so all equipment is ready to go whenever the snow starts falling, spokesman Gene Blaum said.

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Associated Press writers Kristen de Groot in Philadelphia and John Raby in Charleston, West Virginia, and AP Airlines Writer Scott Mayerowitz and AP Airlines Writer Scott Mayerowitz in New York contributed to this story.