Baltimore Issues State of Emergency Ahead of Weekend Winter Storm

Mayor Brandon M. Scott declared a state of emergency for Baltimore on Friday, January 23, 2026, to ready city agencies for a winter storm expected to bring heavy snow and freezing conditions through the weekend.

The move comes as the National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning covering the Baltimore region from 11:00 PM on Saturday, January 24, through 4:00 AM on Monday, January 26. Local leaders say the declaration allows quicker deployment of crews and resources before roads become impassable and temperatures drop sharply.

Why the declaration matters for residents

Baltimore residents face risks of power outages, blocked streets and limited access to services if snow piles up quickly. The city’s Office of Emergency Management has opened its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate agencies handling snow removal, shelter checks and emergency calls. Officials stress that staying indoors reduces exposure to icy sidewalks and drifting snow, especially for older adults and those without reliable transportation.

City crews have already applied brine to major gateways, bridges, hills and highway ramps including sections of I-83, I-95 and MD 295. The pretreatment aims to prevent ice from bonding to pavement before the main snowfall arrives. Department of Transportation teams and contractors stand ready with more than 700 vehicles to plow and treat roads around the clock once the storm intensifies.

Steps residents can take now

People are urged to assemble home and vehicle emergency kits containing warm clothing, blankets, food, water, flashlights and a battery radio. Drivers should move cars off designated snow emergency routes before noon on Saturday to avoid towing. Those who must travel are advised to clear vehicles completely of snow, drive slowly and increase following distance on surfaces that may look wet but are actually icy.

Residents can sign up for BMORE Alerts by texting BMOREAlert to 888777 or visiting the city’s emergency site. Non-emergency reports about downed trees, blocked sidewalks or shelter needs can be made through 311, which will extend hours to match the Emergency Operations Center during the storm. The city release notes that pet owners should bring animals inside and contact animal control for any pets left without shelter.

Updated information will continue to come from official city channels as conditions develop over the weekend.