Crews are pre-treating roadways in advance of the storm; Residents urged to prepare for the Friday morning commute

BALTIMORE, MD (Thursday, January 18, 2024) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore City Department of Transportation Director Corren Johnson announced that the city is gearing up for another round of winter weather. For the second time this week, snow is forecast in the Baltimore region beginning early Friday morning and continuing until early Saturday. A total snow accumulation of 1” to 3" is projected for Baltimore City, impacting travel throughout the day tomorrow. 

“As the city braces for another winter storm this week, we encourage residents to prepare for Friday morning weather, please plan extra time for your commute and be aware slick ice can still be present under new snow,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Safety is our biggest priority, and even with back-to-back snowstorms, our snow crews are committed to keeping city streets passable, no matter what Mother Nature has in store. If you see roads that need to be treated or icy conditions, please contact 3-1-1 to report it."

The Baltimore City Snow Team has been readying its snow equipment and pre-treated primary roadways, city gateways, bridges and overpasses the evening of the 17th with salt brine to help prevent the initial bonding of snow and ice to the pavement. Snow crews will activate at 10:00 p.m. this evening to monitor weather and roadway conditions and will work throughout the storm.

With salt supplies being replenished throughout the day, nearly 300 pieces of city equipment, and an additional 398 pieces of contractor apparatuses, the city is fully prepared for efficient operations during this next round of winter weather.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and be prepared for inclement weather. Conditions can change rapidly, and winter precipitation can cause roadways to become slick, especially on elevated surfaces such as bridges, ramps and overpasses which freeze more quickly than roadways.

During winter storms, residents are advised to refrain from driving unless absolutely necessary, which helps our crews to treat city streets more efficiently, because any vehicles that become disabled will obstruct the movement of plow trucks and hinder our removal efforts.

Residents who must travel during the storm are strongly advised to follow the guidelines below:

• Plan additional travel time on Friday so that you arrive to your destination safely.
• Drive at reduced speeds for safety, as posted speed limits are based on ideal/dry weather conditions.
• Allow extra following distance and remember not to “crowd the plow” by staying behind working snow vehicles and leaving them plenty of space to operate. 
• Clear ice and snow from your vehicle before driving which can become dislodged and hazardous for other motorists.
• Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and those with disabilities or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.

The Baltimore City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated on Friday January 19, 2024 at 3:00 a.m.

Icy conditions and streets that need to be addressed can be called-in to 3-1-1 or submitted to the 3-1-1 app. 

For updated weather forecasts and traffic conditions, residents should tune into local news stations, check social media resources and visit the city’s snow page at snow.baltimorecity.gov.

Code Blue Declaration

Today, the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) officially announced a Code Blue Extreme Cold Declaration, effective Friday evening, January 19th through Monday morning, January 22nd.

Please take the necessary precautions, stay indoors whenever possible, and check on vulnerable neighbors and loved ones.

More information on Code Blue Declarations can be found here: https://health.baltimorecity.gov/emergency-preparedness-response/code-blue 

Warming Stations & Resources for Those Experiencing Homelessness

Baltimore City Recreation and Parks will open the following Rec Centers to serve as warming stations:

• Cahill Fitness and Wellness Center
  4001 Clifton Ave, Baltimore, MD 21216
  9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
   
• Rita Church Community Center
  2101 St Lo Drive, Baltimore, MD 21213
  9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) has activated emergency shelters for residents who need assistance. If you are in need of shelter, please call the Baltimore City Shelter Hotline (443) 984-9540 or 2-1-1. This hotline operates from 8:30 am – 9:00 pm on winter shelter days. For after hours needs from 9:00 p.m. – midnight, please call the Winter Shelter Hotline (410) 305-7132.

For additional Winter Shelter info, visit: https://homeless.baltimorecity.gov/winter-shelter 

Warming centers for those experiencing homelessness:

• My Sister’s Place Women’s Center (for women and children only)
  17 W Franklin Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
  7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
   
• Beans & Bread
  402 S Bond St, Baltimore, MD 21231
  8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.