Mayor Brandon M. Scott, along with cabinet agencies and state and local partners, issued an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency in Baltimore City ahead of the severe winter weather expected across the region this weekend.
The executive order activates the city’s Emergency Operations Plan to deploy emergency resources and other means needed to tackle the emergency.
“The Baltimore City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will activate the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to support citywide response efforts and coordinate a cross-agency response to any snow accumulation, icy conditions, and freezing temperatures,” read the press release.
Baltimore City and the surrounding region is under a Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) from Saturday, Jan. 24 at 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26. Residents should check local news stations and official social media resources for updated weather forecasts and traffic conditions.
Scott urged everyone to take all necessary safety precautions, including staying indoors whenever they can and checking on vulnerable neighbors and loved ones. His office also offered the following list of things to know as the storm passes through:
- Prepare: Assemble emergency kits for both your home and vehicle. Make sure you have warm clothes, extra blankets, food, water, a radio, and flashlights in case of power outages. Check on elderly family members or neighbors to ensure they have what they need.
- Stay Inside: We strongly encourage residents to stay home. Road conditions can deteriorate rapidly, putting safety at risk.
- Practice Fire Safety: Be careful with secondary heating sources like space heaters. Always use as directed and avoid placing them anywhere that may be a fire hazard. Ensure smoke alarms are in working order and establish a fire safety plan for your family.
- Keep Pets Safe: Remember to bring pets indoors whenever possible. If you witness a pet without adequate shelter, contact animal control via 311. If you believe an animal is in immediate life-threatening danger, call 911.
- Park Smart: Move vehicles off designated snow emergency routes before the snow starts so plows can clear roads efficiently. We will begin towing vehicles parked on emergency routes at noon tomorrow. Street sweeping is not in effect.
- If You Must Drive: Ensure your car is cleared of snow and well-maintained. Remember: “Take it slow on ice and snow.” Surfaces that look wet may be icy. Slow down, increase your following distance, and remember that speed limits are for perfect weather — not winter storms.
- Stay Informed: The City will circulate up-to-date information as we continue to track weather trends throughout the weekend. Residents are encouraged to sign up for BMORE Alerts at https://emergency.baltimorecity.gov/bmore-alert or by texting BMOREAlert to 888777. Follow City social media for up-to-date information and tips.
Report any city issues and non-emergency issues to 311, including water problems, snow or ice on streets, broken streetlights, and more. Be prepared for higher call volume, though 311 call center hours will be extended because of the weather emergency.
“In preparation for the storm, the Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT) has been proactively pretreating city gateways, bridges, hills, and overpasses, along with on- and off-ramps to I-83, I-395, I-95, and MD 295,” read the press release. “The brine solution helps to keep snow and ice from bonding to roadway surfaces. Crews will continue treating roadways with brine throughout the remainder of their shifts today.”
DOT has more than 700 vehicles to aid in snow removal. Keep in mind, however, side streets may take longer to clear.
In anticipation of the snow beginning Saturday evening, 24-hour parking restrictions along snow emergency routes will be in effect beginning at 12 p.m. Saturday to allow for salting and plowing. Parking details and route maps are available on the Snow Page.
Starting on Sunday at 12 p.m., the Parking Authority of Baltimore City (PABC) will open free parking at 8 City-owned parking garages for residents. Parking will be free in these garages through 7:00 PM Monday, January 26th. Spots are available on a “first come, first served” basis. Residents will be asked to provide proof of residency in order to park. For a full list of garages, and City Schools parking lots where free outdoor parking will also be available, please visit the Snow Page.
The City’s Health Department (BCHD) has issued a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert beginning Friday evening, Jan. 23, through Tuesday, Jan. 27, with wind chills expected to drop into the single digits and the chance of negative wind chills. These extreme conditions are dangerous and pose serious risks to people exposed to the cold for extended periods. Residents who must go outside should wear a coat, gloves, hat, and dress in layers.
Code Blue Declaration resources, along with real-time updates and information can be found at the Code Blue website.
Additionally, the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) has declared a Code Purple winter shelter activation, which will continue through Tuesday, Jan.27. MOHS Outreach, People Encouraging People, and the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore will identify and engage people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, offering shelter, resources, and transportation. Those who need shelter, or see those in need, can call (443) 984-9540 before 12:00 AM and 311 after 12:00 AM.
Residents can request outreach services at this link or email homelessoutreach@baltimorecity.gov. Residents can also contact the MOHS Outreach Team or call 311 anytime. The Baltimore City Shelter Hotline is 443-984-9540 for overnight emergency shelter. For a list of MOHS Warming Centers, please click here.
