City Notices: Winter Weather Response and Government Service Updates

Official Winter Weather Operations and Service Shifts

Due to the impact of Winter Storm Fern and continued sub-freezing temperatures, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) has implemented temporary service modifications for Thursday, January 29, 2026. Residents are advised that recycling collection remains suspended for the duration of the week to allow crews to prioritize trash removal and snow-related infrastructure repairs. For those with scheduled Thursday trash pickup, collections will not occur in alleys. Residents who normally receive alley service must move their green trash cans to the front of their homes or the end of the alley to ensure accessibility for collection vehicles. All mechanical street sweeping operations are canceled for the remainder of the week.

Health Advisory: Cold Blue Declaration Extended

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Taylor has extended the 'Cold Blue' Extreme Cold Alert through Sunday, February 1, 2026. This declaration triggers the activation of emergency warming centers and increased outreach for the city's vulnerable populations. Residents are urged to check on elderly neighbors and ensure pets are brought indoors. To prevent property damage, the DPW recommends letting faucets drip a pencil-lead thin stream of cold water to prevent pipes from freezing during the overnight hours. If you observe a water main break or experience a loss of service, please report it immediately by calling 311.

Government Closures and Judicial Notices

Mayor Brandon M. Scott has announced that Baltimore City Government offices will operate on a two-hour delayed opening today, Thursday, January 29, 2026. Offices will open for in-person operations at 10:00 a.m. for all non-essential employees. Despite the delay, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City has issued a reporting notice for jurors. Individuals with reporting numbers 6000 through 7100 are required to report to Room 240 in the Clarence Mitchell Courthouse no later than 8:00 a.m. Jurors are encouraged to wear sensible footwear as they may be required to navigate between multiple court locations in wintry conditions.

Public Meeting: Baltimore Affordable Housing Development

The Baltimore Affordable Housing Development Board of Directors will hold a Special Meeting today, January 29, at 2:00 p.m. This meeting will be conducted virtually via Webex. Members of the public interested in providing comment or observing the proceedings must register through the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) official portal. This session will address urgent project timelines and procurement items requiring immediate board action.

Transit and Commuter Alerts

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) reports that MARC Train service will operate on a full schedule today. However, commuters using the Commuter Bus system should anticipate localized delays and check real-time service alerts, as some routes may still experience detours due to lingering icy patches on secondary roads.