Baltimore details winter storm recovery steps as Scott reports closures, road treatment, and service changes

State of emergency remains in effect as cleanup continues

Baltimore officials have extended emergency operations into the start of the workweek following a weekend winter storm that brought heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain potential to the region. Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s administration kept the City’s Emergency Operations Center activated and said the state of emergency declared on Friday, January 23, 2026, remained in force as crews continued road treatment and plowing.

City updates issued Sunday, January 25 described snow totals in Baltimore ranging from about 6.7 inches in an afternoon briefing to more than 8 inches by evening, as precipitation continued through late Sunday. Officials warned that ongoing cold would complicate clearing and refreezing risks, particularly on untreated surfaces.

City closures and modified operations

The City announced that Baltimore City Government would be closed for in-person operations on Monday, January 26, for all non-essential employees, while essential employees were required to report. Baltimore City Public Schools and central offices were also closed Monday. Additional closures announced for Monday included Enoch Pratt Free Library locations and the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. City recycling centers and certain workforce development job centers were also set to close due to conditions.

By late Sunday, City communications also indicated Baltimore City Government would remain closed for in-person operations on Tuesday, January 27, for non-essential employees, extending disruptions for residents seeking in-person services.

Road treatment, towing enforcement, and parking options

Transportation officials said snow crews and contractors were operating around the clock, with more than 700 vehicles available for snow removal and road treatment efforts. The City’s stated priorities were arterial and collector streets and key routes to schools and hospitals, a standard triage approach intended to restore mobility first on higher-volume corridors.

Parking restrictions along designated snow emergency routes remained in effect to allow curb-to-curb plowing and salting. The City warned that vehicles parked illegally on these routes could be ticketed and towed, framing enforcement as necessary for emergency access and faster clearing.

• Snow operations prioritized major corridors and critical routes, with continued treatment as conditions allowed.
• Snow emergency route parking restrictions were emphasized as a prerequisite for full-width plowing.
• Residents were urged to limit travel and to keep distance from working plows.

Trash and recycling: temporary operational shift as alleys become impassable

Public Works officials outlined service modifications tied to blocked alleys and icy buildup. The plan included suspending Tuesday trash pickups and shifting that day’s collection to Saturday, while recycling collection was suspended for the week. Residents whose normal collection is conducted via alleys—especially those with scheduled pickups from Wednesday through Friday—were asked to move containers to the alley mouth or the front of their homes to maintain access for crews.

The City said the changes were intended to protect public safety and keep essential sanitation services operating despite impassable alley conditions.

Volunteer assistance and cold-weather risk response

In parallel with municipal operations, the City launched a pilot volunteer matching initiative, Baltimore Snow Corps, intended to connect residents needing help clearing sidewalks with nearby volunteers. Officials described the program as supplementary and not a replacement for City snow operations.

Separately, the Baltimore City Health Department announced a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert from Friday night, January 23, through Tuesday, January 27, based on wind chills forecast to drop into the single digits, with the possibility of negative wind chills. The department also reported that Maryland’s medical examiner had recorded three cold-related deaths in Baltimore City so far this Code Blue season.