City of Baltimore Update on Winter Storm Management and Preparedness

Mayor Brandon M. Scott Declares State of Emergency, Coordinates Citywide Response to Potential Severe Winter Weather

BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, January 23, 2026) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, joined by Cabinet agencies and state and local partners, issued the following update regarding the impact of potential severe winter weather this weekend.

Mayor Scott has issued an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency in Baltimore City in response to severe winter weather expected across the region. The Executive Order mobilizes the City of Baltimore's Emergency Operations Plan to deploy emergency resources, and activates additional resources needed to tackle the emergency situation.

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.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Baltimore region that is currently in effect from 11:00 PM Saturday, January 24th, to 4:00 AM Monday, January 26th. For updated weather forecasts and traffic conditions, residents should tune into local news stations and check official social media resources. Residents are encouraged to take all necessary precautions, stay indoors whenever possible, and check on vulnerable neighbors and loved ones.

What Residents Need To Know

Residents should prepare ahead of time and take note of the safety precautions below:

• 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 911.0
• 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.

Residents are also encouraged to report city issues and non-emergency issues to 311. This includes water problems (like no water, low pressure, or basement flooding), snow or ice on streets and sidewalks, broken streetlights or traffic signals, downed trees or branches, parking issues, requests for salt boxes, and concerns at Cold Blue shelters. Residents can submit and track requests by using the Balt311 mobile app or web.During a weather emergency, 311 will extend call center hours to match the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) schedule. Caller wait times may increase due to higher call volumes.

Ongoing Road Treatment & Crew Deployment

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. 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 crews and contractors are prepared to work around the clock to plow and treat obstructed roadways. With both city crews and contractor forces, DOT has over 700 vehicles available for our snow removal efforts.

As a reminder, side streets and secondary roadways may take longer to clear. During snow events, arterial and collector streets and key routes to schools and hospitals are prioritized for salting and plowing to ensure emergency access and proximity to a cleared roadway. If resources allow, secondary and neighborhood streets are treated at the same time. Residents can call 311 or submit a request to the 311 app to report icy roads or sidewalks they encounter.

Parking Availability

Beginning at 12:00 PM on Saturday, parking will be restricted along all snow emergency routes 24 hours a day to allow curb-to-curb plowing and salting. Illegally parked cars may be ticketed and towed to maintain public safety and emergency access. Parking details and route maps are available on the Snow Page at http://snow.baltimorecity.gov.

Starting at 12:00 PM on Sunday, 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.

The full list of garages can be found below:

• Baltimore Street Garage
  15 Guilford Ave.
• Caroline Street Garage (limited space)
  805 S. Caroline St.
• Fleet & Eden Garage
  501 S. Eden St.
• Franklin Street Garage
  15 W. Franklin St.
• Little Italy Parking Garage (limited space)
  400 S. Central Ave.
• Penn Station Garage
  1511 N. Charles St.
• St. Paul Street Garage
  210 St. Paul Pl.
• West Street Garage (limited space)
  40 E. West St.

Free outdoor parking is also available at the following City Schools parking lots:

• Harford Heights E
  1919 N Broadway St.
  Baltimore, MD 21213
• Montebello Elementary/Middle
  2040 E 32nd St.
  Baltimore, MD 21218
• Katherine Johnson Global Academy
  1101 Braddish Ave.
  Baltimore, MD 21216
• William H. Lemmel Bldg
  2801 N Dukeland St.
  Baltimore, MD 21216
• Professional Development Bldg.
  2500 E Northern Pkwy
  Baltimore, MD 21214
• Northwestern High
  6900 Park Heights Ave.
  Baltimore, MD 21215
• Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
  1400 W Cold Spring Ln.
  Baltimore, MD 21209
• Patterson High
  100 Kane St.
  Baltimore, MD 21224
• Western High
  4600 Falls Rd.
  Baltimore, MD 21209
• Mervo High
  3500 Hillen Rd.
  Baltimore, MD 21218
• Walbrook Bldg
  2000 Edgewood St.
  Baltimore, MD 21216
• Digital Harbor High
  1100 Covington St.
  Baltimore, MD 21230

Code Blue Declaration

The Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) has issued a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert starting Friday evening, January 23, through Tuesday, January 27, due to forecasted wind chills expected to drop into the single digits, with the possibility of negative wind chills. These extreme cold conditions can be dangerous and pose serious health risks to Baltimore residents, particularly those exposed to the cold for extended periods. BCHD is also encouraging residents to stay indoors when possible. If going outdoors, please wear a coat, gloves, hat, and dress in layers.

Residents can find real-time updates and information on Code Blue Declaration resources at https://health.baltimorecity.gov/emergency-preparedness-response/code-blue.

Winter Shelter Activation & Code Purple Activation

The Mayor's Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) has declared a Code Purple winter shelter activation, which will continue through Tuesday, January 27th.

City-funded outreach teams - including MOHS Outreach, People Encouraging People, and the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore - will identify and engage people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, offering shelter, resources, and transportation. MOHS outreach teams will work extended hours from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Friday and Saturday to identify and engage individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness including those living in encampments.

Residents in need of shelter - or those who see someone experiencing homelessness - can call (443) 984-9540 before 12:00 AM and 311 after 12:00 AM.

Residents can also request outreach services at http://homeless.baltimorecity.gov/winter-shelter or by emailing [email protected]. Residents can also contact the MOHS Outreach Team or call 311 anytime.

MOHS Warming Centers

As part of MOHS' Code Purple activation, the following Continuum of Care (CoC) providers will operate as warming centers for people experiencing homelessness:

• Beans & Bread
  400 S. Bond St.
  Baltimore, MD 21231
  Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
• Franciscan Center
  101 W. 23rd St.
  Baltimore, MD 21218
  Monday - Friday, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
• Manna House
  435 E. 25th St.
  Baltimore, MD 21218
  Monday - Friday, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
• My Sister's Place Women's Center - Women and Children Only
  17 W. Franklin St.
  Baltimore, MD 21201
  Daily, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Weinberg Housing & Resource Center (WHRC)
  620 Fallsway
  Baltimore, MD 21202
  Daily, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Emergency Warming Sites

Emergency warming sites will be available only in the event that residents are displaced by a power outage or fire. If that occurs, Baltimore City Recreation & Parks will operate two of these emergency sites, in coordination with the American Red Cross:

• Robert C. Marshall Recreation Center
  1201 Pennsylvania Ave.
  Baltimore, MD 21202
• Rita C. Church Community Center
  2101 St. Lo Dr.
  Baltimore, MD 21213

Solid Waste Operations

While trash and recycling collections have not been suspended at this time, trash trucks may not run depending on weather conditions. Keep sidewalks, curb lines, and access points clear so crews and equipment can move safely. In the event of missed trash pickup, residents are encouraged to call 311. If your curbside trash/recycling pickup coincides with plowing activities, make sure your trash can and recycling bin are well behind the curb so the plow will not hit them.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) will continue providing real-time updates and service alerts through official communication channels.

Water Emergencies & Freezing Pipes

Extreme cold places significant strain on both household plumbing and city infrastructure. To prevent frozen pipes, let a small stream of water run from the lowest sink. If a pipe freezes, warm it with a hair dryer and open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. Residents should know where their water shutoff is, turn off outside faucets, check their sump pump, and insulate pipes. Residents are also encouraged to keep bottled water on hand.

DPW cares for water lines up to the meter. Pipes from the meter into the home are the owner's job. For water emergencies in Baltimore City, please call 311; for emergencies in our Baltimore County service area, please call 410-887-0311. You may also get low-cost line protection through American Water Resources at AWRUSA.

Residents should also help clear snow from storm drains so water can flow as snow melts.

Road Safety Advice

During a snowstorm, heavy snow, ice, or wind may cause power outages, downed trees or powerlines, and traffic signal malfunctions, possibly leading to lane or road closures. Drivers should treat malfunctioning signals as 4-way stops and proceed with caution. Motorists are encouraged to stay off the roads to allow snow crews to work efficiently.

The safest approach is to travel slowly on snow and ice and postpone trips if possible. Motorists and cyclists should avoid traveling during the storm to allow snow crews to clear streets and bike lanes. Be aware that shiny or wet-looking surfaces may be icy. Drivers should reduce speed, increase following distance, and remember posted limits apply only in ideal conditions - adjust as weather changes.

Pedestrians should wear bright or reflective clothing, use caution when crossing streets, and watch for slippery surfaces. Everyone should stay alert and patient as conditions change.

Public Transit Operations

Charm City Circulator service will end early at 10:00 PM on Saturday. Service is tentatively scheduled to resume on Sunday at 12:00 PM, but riders should download the Passio Go! App for updated alerts and information on any additional weather-related impacts. MDOT MTA updates are posted on their websites and social media. All transit information, including routes and schedules, is also available on the Transit app.

Accessing City Facilities

The Department of General Services (DGS), in coordination with the Mayor's Office and the Office of the Labor Commissioner (OLC), will announce any delayed openings or closures due to storm-related building system issues. Weather-related access limitations alone do not result in building closures.

If City operations are closed, payment centers and customer service counters will also be closed. If services are available online - like paying a water bill - residents are encouraged to use them to avoid delays or crowded locations. For court facilities, the Department of General Services works with the State to determine closures, which may impact services at those locations.

When City facilities are open, DGS ensures walkways and entrances are safe and accessible for employees and visitors. The Facilities Division keeps buildings operational and properly heated and is ready to respond to any unexpected building system issues.

Emergency Response

During a snowstorm, Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) crews remain fully staffed and responding, but snow- and ice-covered roads may slow response times. Residents can help by calling 911 only for true emergencies, such as crashes with injuries, life-threatening situations, or crimes in progress. 911 callers should provide clear location details.

If you're shoveling snow, please help by clearing snow at least 3 feet around nearby fire hydrants. Residents are advised to keep streets and walkways accessible so emergency responders can reach those in need quickly and safely.

Fire Safety

Residents are encouraged to use heating sources safely by keeping space heaters and candles at least 3 feet from flammable materials (i.e. curtains, furniture, loose clothing). Residents should never use ovens or grills to heat their homes. BCFD reminds all residents that portable kerosene heaters are illegal for indoor use in Baltimore City.

Health Resources

Residents are encouraged to make sure carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in their homes are working. Never run vehicles, generators, or grills inside your home or garage.

Extreme cold can lead to frostbite, hypothermia, heart attacks, strokes, and in severe cases, even death. Everyday activities like shoveling snow or exercising outdoors can quickly become risky in cold conditions. BCHD is also encouraging residents to stay indoors when possible.

Snowstorms increase the risk of heart problems from overexertion, slip-and-fall injuries, home fires, and carbon monoxide exposure. Residents are encouraged to shovel safely, take breaks, check on neighbors - especially older adults.

Recreation Facilities Closed

In preparation for the impending storm, all Recreation & Parks facilities will close effective Saturday, January 24, at 4:00 PM.

The following Recreation & Parks programs and scheduled activities will be canceled or adjusted:

• The Rawlings Conservatory's annual Orchid Show with the Maryland Orchid Society will continue as planned on Friday and Saturday; the show will be cancelled on Sunday, January 25.
• Winter Basketball games scheduled for Saturday, January 24, will be relocated from Rita Church Community Center to C.C. Jackson Community Center.
• Public skating sessions at the Mimi DiPietro Skating Center on Saturday and Sunday are canceled.

Updates on facility closures and information regarding activated warming sites can be found at http://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov. Residents are also encouraged to monitor Recreation & Parks' social media accounts for more information.

Parks and trails will remain open during snow events; however, residents are asked to be mindful of park maintenance crews who will be working to clear sidewalks and parking lots. Recreation & Parks will also follow the City's guidelines for road closures, which may affect access to parks during inclement weather.

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