Mayor Scott Declares State of Emergency, Closes Baltimore City Offices Amid Winter Storm

Mayor Scott Orders City Government Closure

Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott has officially announced the closure of all non-essential government offices today, Monday, January 26, 2026. The executive order comes as a massive winter storm continues to batter the Northeast, bringing significant snow accumulation, freezing rain, and hazardous ice to the city. The Mayor has designated today as an emergency weather day, directing all non-essential personnel to remain home as city crews work to clear primary snow routes and maintain public safety.

State of Emergency and Public Safety Measures

Following a weekend of deteriorating conditions, Mayor Scott declared a State of Emergency for Baltimore. In a recent press briefing, the Mayor emphasized the severity of the storm, which has already dropped nearly a foot of snow in parts of the region. He urged residents to stay off the roads to allow salt trucks and emergency vehicles space to operate. The Mayor also provided specific guidance for residents regarding storm preparation:

• Stocking up on essentials such as water and non-perishable food.
• Ensuring flashlights and radios have working batteries in anticipation of potential power outages.
• Avoiding unnecessary travel and "panic buying" at local grocery stores.

City crews have been deployed across all districts, utilizing over 15,000 tons of salt to combat the freezing rain and ice that moved in overnight. Emergency shelters and warming centers have been opened for those in need of refuge from the frigid temperatures.

Impact on Courts and Legislative Activity

The severe weather has halted most official government sessions today. The Baltimore City Circuit and District Courts are closed for the day, with all scheduled hearings and trials to be rescheduled. While no formal City Council legislative sessions were held due to the weather emergency, the administration remains focused on the municipal response to the storm. Essential services, including the Baltimore Police Department, Fire Department, and water emergency crews, remain fully operational on 24-hour shifts.

Broader Political Climate

The local emergency occurs against a backdrop of heightening federal tensions. As Baltimore manages the storm, national headlines are dominated by a potential partial government shutdown scheduled for later this week if a funding impasse over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) budget priorities is not resolved. Local officials are closely monitoring how a federal shutdown might impact city-level assistance programs, though the immediate priority remains the safety of Baltimore residents during this winter weather event.