Hunkered Down for the Storm, Rising for the Ravens
A City Under a Blanket of White
Good morning, Baltimore. If you are looking out your window this Sunday morning, you are seeing a city transformed into a white-out wonderland—and a city currently under a State of Emergency. As the snow piles up across the Inner Harbor and our neighborhoods, here is your morning briefing for Sunday, January 25, 2026.
The Mood: Hunkered Down and Resilient
The mood today is one of quiet resilience as Baltimoreans hunker down. Mayor Brandon Scott has declared a State of Emergency in response to a major winter storm that began late Saturday night. With a Winter Storm Warning in effect until 4:00 AM Monday, the streets are largely empty, save for the hum of snowplows. Most major attractions, including the National Aquarium, have shuttered their doors for the day, and residents are being strongly urged to stay off the roads as heavy snow is expected to transition into a potentially dangerous layer of ice by this afternoon. It is a day for extra blankets, checking on elderly neighbors, and keeping pets safely indoors.
Key Talking Point: AFC Championship Fever vs. The Elements
The city is currently caught between two massive forces: a record-level winter storm and championship fever. Today is a monumental day for the Baltimore Ravens, who are scheduled to host the AFC Championship game at M&T Bank Stadium. While stadium crews have been working around the clock to clear the field, the primary talking point among residents is the logistics of the day. While some venues are still hosting watch parties for those within walking distance, the sheer volume of snow—with regional predictions ranging from 7 to 14 inches—has shifted the conversation from playbooks to travel safety. This game represents a high-stakes moment for the city’s spirit, even as the elements try to freeze the momentum.
Feel-Good Story: A Historic Milestone for City Safety
Amidst the freezing temperatures, there is a significant piece of news providing a sense of hope for the year ahead: Baltimore has officially recorded a historic drop in violent crime. State’s Attorney Ivan Bates confirmed that homicides in the city plummeted to 134 in 2025, a dramatic decline from the 334 recorded just three years ago. This multi-year downward trend is being hailed as a major victory for the city's targeted law enforcement strategies and community-based violence reduction programs. For a city that has long fought for peace on its streets, these numbers represent a transformative shift toward a safer future for all neighborhoods.
Morning Essentials
- Major Closures: The National Aquarium is closed today. The Baltimore Museum of Art has also canceled its Sunday programs.
- Emergency Services: The city has activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the response to snow accumulation and power outages.
- Arts Update: In a bright spot for the local arts scene, the Baltimore Museum of Art has announced the high-profile appointments of Rhea Combs and Ellen McBreen as new fellows.