Mayor Scott Activates Emergency Operations Center as Winter Storm Hernando Hits Baltimore

Emergency Government Mobilization in Response to Winter Storm Warning

Today, Sunday, February 22, 2026, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott officially activated the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as the region prepares for the impact of Winter Storm Hernando. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Baltimore, effective from 3:00 p.m. today through 10:00 a.m. on Monday. The activation of the EOC marks a significant government-led coordination effort between the Mayor’s Office, the Office of Emergency Management, and the Department of Public Works to mitigate the risks posed by the incoming blizzard conditions.

Code Purple and Winter Shelter Activation

In addition to the emergency mobilization at City Hall, the Baltimore City Health Department has declared a Code Purple winter shelter activation beginning at 4:00 p.m. today. This emergency session of social services is designed to provide life-saving shelter for the city’s most vulnerable residents during periods of extreme cold and heavy snowfall. Under the Code Purple protocol, additional shelter space will be made available, and outreach teams will be deployed across the city to encourage residents experiencing homelessness to seek indoor refuge. City officials are urging those in need of assistance to call 311 or the specialized homeless outreach line before the storm intensifies tonight.

Mayor’s Executive Statement and State Coordination

Mayor Scott issued a public notice today advising all Baltimoreans to complete their preparations by mid-afternoon and to stay off the roads once the snow begins to accumulate. "The safety of our residents is our absolute priority as we face this historic storm," the Mayor stated. "Our salt trucks and emergency responders are stationed and ready, but we need the public's cooperation to keep the streets clear for essential services."

The city's emergency activities are being coordinated in tandem with state-level initiatives. Maryland Governor Wes Moore has declared a State of Preparedness, directing the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MDMEMA) to support local jurisdictions. Baltimore's Emergency Operations Center will remain staffed around the clock to monitor road conditions and manage any power outages or infrastructure failures that may occur as the storm drops a forecasted 1 to 3 inches of snow in the city, with higher totals expected in the surrounding areas.

Next Steps for City Government

While the Baltimore City Council is still scheduled to hold its regular legislative session on Monday evening, today’s focus remains entirely on public safety and emergency management. City officials have indicated that they will reassess the schedule for tomorrow’s government meetings early Monday morning based on the severity of the snowfall and the status of road clearing operations.