NWS Winter Storm Warning Continues, Over 400 Snow Crews Operating, Code Blue Declaration Issued

BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, January 6, 2025) - 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. The State of Emergency declaration issued by Mayor Scott last night remains in effect.

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.baltimore city.gov.

Forecast Update

The Baltimore region continues to be under a National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Winter Storm Warning, lasting until Tuesday, January 7 at 1:00 a.m. So far, Baltimore City has seen snow accumulation as high as 4+ inches.

These conditions will continue to cause snowy and icy conditions on roadways across the city, but Baltimore City Department of Transportation crews and contractors continue to work around the clock plowing and treating roads.

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 fully activated in preparation for this storm since 5:00 p.m. Sunday evening.

Main streets, school zones, and emergency routes to hospitals were among the first areas to be plowed and salted. Crews continue to focus on all primary and secondary zones, and are working to conduct as much treatment as possible before snow returns later this afternoon.

Full deployment of available crews continues, with over 250 DOT snow vehicles/equipment currently deployed and over 400 additional contractor vehicles in rotation.

Closures & Service Delays

Baltimore City Government remains closed on Monday, January 6, 2025.

Essential employees, and employees designated as emergency essential (for the current weather event), including those who work the afternoon and evening shift(s), must report to work and/or remain at work as scheduled, unless informed otherwise by their agency head, designee, or immediate supervisor. Additional information or questions should be addressed by the Office of Labor Commissioner or immediate supervisors.

Currently, City government is expected to reopen on Tuesday, January 7, but an official decision will be made later this evening.

Additionally, DPW has suspended Mechanical Street Sweeping operations until further notice.

The Harbor Connector had a delayed start but has since opened for service as of 12:30 p.m.

The Charm City Circulator has suspended service for today. Riders can check for service updates at charmcitycirc.com and through the Passio Go app.

Reminders for Residents

• Take the necessary precautions for yourselves and your families.
• Check on elderly or sick neighbors
• Stay home and off the roads, if possible. If travel is necessary, drive slow and take added precautions.
• Shovel and salt the areas outside of your homes and businesses.
• Do not park in emergency snow zones.
• Do not crowd the plow.
• Street sweeping is not in effect.
• Be careful with secondary heating sources like space heaters. Always use as directed and avoid placing them anywhere that may be a fire hazard.
• If you experience issues related to building heat being out, you can contact 311 who may be able to provide assistance.
• Ensure smoke alarms are in working order and establish a fire safety plan for your entire family.
• Remember to bring pets indoors whenever possible. If your pet is outdoors, they must be protected by a well-constructed, raised shelter that is dry and draft-free. Sufficient bedding and a door flap must be in place to maintain body heat. Fresh, unfrozen, drinkable water must be provided at all times. If you witness a pet without adequate shelter, contact animal control via 311 (phone or app). If you believe an animal is in immediate life-threatening danger, call 911.- ¯
• Stay tuned to the DOT social media for tips and tricks for the weather

Snow Emergency Routes

The Department of Transportation continues to advise motorists to avoid parking in Snow Emergency Routes.

Snow Emergency Routes are clearly marked with black and white signs and residents should follow all posted signage. Residents that park along these designated routes obstruct the movement of snow plows and hinder safe snow removal efforts. If Phase II Snow Emergency is implemented, any vehicles that are parked along these designated roadways will be relocated by tow vehicles to ensure safe plow operations. Residents with questions concerning the location of their vehicles should call 311.

The Parking Authority of Baltimore City announced that residents in Federal Hill, Fells Point, Harbor East, Perkins Homes, and Little Italy are able to park their cars in their neighborhood City-owned parking facilities during the upcoming snow emergency. Parking is free in these garages effective from Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM until Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 7:00 AM (this time may be extended based on conditions and on monthly contract parker obligations), and is available on a 'first come, first served' basis. Residents will be asked to provide proof of residency at the garages. Parking your cars in these garages will assist the City in its snow removal efforts. Do not park on the roof at these locations.

Participating garages include:

• Little Italy Parking Garage
  400 S. Central Avenue
  Baltimore, Maryland 21202

• West Street Garage
  40 E. West Street
  Baltimore, Maryland 21230

• Caroline Street Garage
  805 S. Caroline Street
  Baltimore, Maryland 21231

• Fleet & Eden Garage
  501 S. Eden Street
  Baltimore, MD 21205

Code Blue Declaration & Winter Shelter Activation

The Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) has officially extended its Code Blue Extreme Cold Declaration, through Saturday, January 11, 2025.

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

The Mayor's Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) has declared a Code Purple winter shelter activation which will be in effect until Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.

Residents who are in need of emergency shelter should call the Baltimore City Shelter Hotline at (443) 984-9540 which has extended hours of operation during winter shelter activation from 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. After 9:00 p.m. residents should call (443) 695-7378 to be connected to emergency shelter.

For a full list of warming centers, emergency shelters, and additional resources available during winter shelter activation, visit homeless.baltimorecity.gov/winter-shelter.