NWS Moves to Winter Storm Warning, Snow Teams Continue Treat & Clear Roads, Warming Stations Available at BCRP Regional Facilities

BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, January 19, 2024) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott issued the following midday update regarding the winter storm that has caused significant snow accumulation, icy conditions, and freezing temperatures across Baltimore. 

The Baltimore City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains activated.

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.

Forecast Update

As of 10:00 a.m., the National Weather Service (NWS) has escalated the status to a Winter Storm Warning, lasting until 10:00 p.m. Total snow accumulation of 4 to 6 inches is expected with freezing temperatures. 

These conditions will continue to cause snowy and icy conditions on roadways across the city, but Baltimore City Department of Transportation crews continue to plow and treat roads. They will continue to re-treat and re-plow roads, as needed, throughout the Day. 

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

Ongoing Road Treatment & Crew Deployment

Department of Transportation snow crews and contractors have been plowing and treating roads since the early morning hours. Overnight, they conducted pre-treatment of primary roadways, city gateways, bridges and overpasses

Main streets, school zones, and emergency routes to hospitals were among the first areas to be plowed and salted. Since last night all primary and secondary zones have received treatment, and crews continue to work.

Full deployment of the crews continues, with over 300 snow vehicles currently out in the city today.

Remember:

• Drive slow and stay home if possible
• Street sweeping is not in effect
• Do not park in emergency snow zones
• Do not crowd the plow
• Shovel and salt the areas outside of your home and business
• Check on elderly or sick neighbors
• Stay tuned to the DOT social media for tips and tricks for the weather 

DPW Trash & Recycling Service Postponed

Due to the amount of snow accumulation during today’s storm, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Solid Waste crews are unable to conduct trash and recycling collections on Friday, January 19. Monday, January 22, is the anticipated make-up day for Friday’s trash and recycling collections.

Tomorrow, Saturday, January 20, limited Solid Waste crews will be out addressing missed pickups from this week, if weather and road conditions permit. However, the ability to complete the routes will depend on whether the snow and ice have thawed enough for the alleys to be accessible. 

Residents can call 3-1-1 to report missed trash and recycling collections and are reminded of the need to keep trash in bags and secured inside their City-issued green trash can or in a durable trash can with a tight-fitting lid.

Mechanical Street Sweeping operations remain suspended due to this week’s inclement weather.

Code Blue Declaration

Yesterday, the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) officially announced a Code Blue Extreme Cold Declaration, effective today 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 (BCRP) regional sites are open today, but are now ALL closing at 7:00 p.m. due to weather conditions. 

All other recreational facilities, including special facilities, are closed and all programs are canceled.

Regional Facilities:

• Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center
  201 Reedbird Ave, Baltimore, MD 21225
• Cahill Fitness and Wellness Center [Designated Warming Station]
  4001 Clifton Ave, Baltimore, MD 21216
• CC Jackson Recreation Center
  4910 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215
• Rita Church Community Center [Designated Warming Station]
  2101 St Lo Drive, Baltimore, MD 21213

The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) has activated emergency shelters for residents who need assistance, and has now been extended. Winter Shelter is now in effect until 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23.

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