A major winter storm is on track to dump heavy snow and ice on the Baltimore region this weekend, prompting warnings from state and local officials. The storm, which will sweep over the area Saturday evening into Monday morning, will likely cause disruptions to travel, businesses and schools.
During a news conference Friday, Baltimore officials said they were anticipating about a foot of snow, with the possibility of freezing rain and sleet. If the storm lives up to those predictions, it would be the largest snowfall Baltimore has seen since 2016, said Joey Henderson, director of the Office of Emergency Management.
City officials urged residents to prepare for the storm and to avoid leaving their homes unless necessary. Vehicles left on snow emergency routes will be ticketed and towed starting Saturday at noon, officials said.
Baltimore has enlisted the Maryland Army National Guard for assistance with EMS calls, Fire Chief James Wallace said. City Recreation and Parks facilities will close at 4 p.m. Saturday and remain closed Sunday. They will be activated for emergencies nearby, officials said.
Mayor Brandon Scott urged residents to have reasonable expectations for how quickly services will return as city crews work to clear snow.
Read More
“We have to be patient and realistic,” he said.
Latest weather forecast
The National Weather Service issued a cold weather advisory for Central Maryland starting Friday at 8 p.m. until Saturday morning. The weather service issued a winter storm warning for much of Maryland starting Saturday evening through Monday morning.
The Baltimore area could see 7-14 inches of snow and sleet and up to two-tenths of an inch of ice accumulation.
The weather service warned on Friday afternoon that the ice accumulation could paralyze the Mid-Atlantic region. In a post, it said that the ice will likely cause days-long travel disruptions, long periods of power outages and extensive tree damage.
Governor issues state of emergency
Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency and warned Marylanders to take the storm seriously at a news conference Friday in Annapolis.
“This winter storm has the potential to be remarkably dangerous,” Moore said. “Forecasts show that this winter system could impact all of Maryland.”
Moore said he has also asked President Donald Trump to authorize a federal emergency declaration.
“Unless you have an emergency, plan to stay home starting tomorrow,” Moore said.
Russell J. Strickland, the secretary of Maryland’s Department of Emergency Management, warned that travel will be “extremely hazardous, if not life-threatening,” starting Saturday night.
Other local agencies, along with hospitals and transportation authorities, are preparing to treat roads and mitigate emergencies during the storm.
Shelters open for below-freezing weather
Friday evening will be very cold, with temperatures dropping to single digits. Wind chills will make the weather feel even colder, nearing 0 degrees.
The National Weather Service said drivers should be careful and people should wear appropriate clothing, including hats and gloves, to avoid hypothermia.
Baltimore officials said they have begun canvassing the homeless population to attempt to connect people with shelters. If residents see someone unhoused, they are asked to call 311 so city crews can provide assistance.
The Rita Church Community Center at Clifton Park and the Robert C. Marshall Recreation Center in Upton will remain open as warming shelters.
Many surrounding counties also provide shelters during severe winter weather, including Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties.
Universities and other institutions close
Universities across the state have delayed the start of their spring semesters and adjusted move-in dates. Several colleges are closed for the weekend and are canceling classes and in-person activities on Monday.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County, will resume in-person and remote classes at noon Tuesday unless further closings or delays are announced. The University of Baltimore, McDaniel College and Towson University will be closed through Tuesday.
Other institutions, including the Maryland Zoo and the National Aquarium, as well as Baltimore City Public Schools and Carroll County Public Schools, will shut their doors over the weekend.
Travel disruptions expected
Airlines have canceled more than 1,300 flights scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Several airlines, including Southwest and United, are waiving change and cancellation fees for travelers who need to rebook their flights.
Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport personnel are preparing to remove snow from runways and taxiways, airport spokesperson Jonathan Dean said.
People planning to travel through BWI this weekend should check with their airlines and look for updates from airport officials, said Chris Murgia, the Transportation Security Administration’s federal security director for Maryland.
“Get here as early as possible,” Murgia said, to get through security lines and navigate delays or cancellations.
Free parking garages available around Baltimore
Once snow begins to pile up, Baltimore will require people who parked on snow emergency routes to move their vehicles or risk being towed. The main streets are emptied so plows and salt trucks can clear the roads easily. Check Baltimore’s website to see if your street is restricted during snow emergencies.
Eight city-owned parking garages and several lots connected to schools and recreation centers will be open free to residents. You can find the list here or on the city’s website.
How to stay safe during the storm
The storm will hit millions of people from the southern Rockies to the East Coast. The general guidance from officials is to stay home.
Make sure you have groceries and medications for the weekend so that you don’t have to drive. Transportation officials are pretreating roads and crews will be out plowing snow, but it’s better to avoid traveling during the storm.
If you drive, have an emergency kit inside the vehicle with water, nonperishable foods and a flashlight with extra batteries. Make sure you have enough clothing and blankets, too, in case of a power outage.
If your vehicle becomes disabled, pull as far off the road as possible, activate your hazard lights and dial #77 for roadside assistance. You can go to mdready.maryland.gov for information about power outages and weather updates.
Banner reporters Emily Opilo, Céilí Doyle, Madeleine O’Neill and Daniel Zawodny contributed to this story.
Comments
Welcome to The Banner's subscriber-only commenting community. Please review our community guidelines.