Official City Notice: State of Emergency and Winter Storm Response

Mayor Scott Declares State of Emergency for Severe Winter Storm

Mayor Brandon M. Scott has issued an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency for Baltimore City, effective through the weekend of January 25, 2026. This declaration mobilizes the city’s Emergency Operations Plan to deploy resources in response to a significant winter storm. The National Weather Service has maintained a Winter Storm Warning for the region, which remains in effect until 4:00 AM on Monday, January 26. Residents are urged to avoid all non-essential travel to allow emergency crews and snow plows to clear primary roadways.

Code Blue and Code Purple Health Advisories

The Baltimore City Health Department has issued a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert through Tuesday, January 27, due to forecasted wind chills dropping into the single digits. Concurrently, the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services has activated Code Purple winter shelter protocols. Official guidance for residents includes:

• Shelter Access: City-funded outreach teams are operating with extended hours to provide transportation to warming centers. Residents in need of shelter should call 311.
• Safety Precautions: Wear multiple layers of clothing, hats, and gloves if you must go outside. Check on elderly neighbors and ensure pets are brought indoors.
• Home Maintenance: To prevent frozen pipes, the Department of Public Works recommends letting a thin stream of water run from the lowest sink in the home.

Phase II Snow Emergency: Parking and Road Regulations

Baltimore is currently under Phase II of the Snow Emergency Plan. Under this phase, specific regulations are being strictly enforced to ensure public safety:

• Parking Restrictions: Parking is prohibited on all designated Snow Emergency Routes. Vehicles remaining on these routes are subject to immediate ticketing and towing.
• Free Parking: To assist residents, the Parking Authority of Baltimore City has opened eight city-owned garages for free parking through 7:00 PM on Monday, January 26. These spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis with proof of residency.
• Vehicle Requirements: All vehicles operating on city streets must be equipped with snow tires, all-weather radials, or chains.

Facility Closures and Service Modifications

Due to the state of emergency, several city services and facilities have modified their schedules for Sunday, January 25:

• Recreation and Parks: All city park facilities are closed. The Rawlings Conservatory’s annual Orchid Show and public skating sessions at the Mimi DiPietro Skating Center are canceled for today.
• Baltimore City Schools: All weekend school activities, including athletic events and the in-person credit recovery program, have been canceled or transitioned to virtual formats.
• Public Works: While trash and recycling collections are not yet officially suspended, residents should expect delays. Street sweeping and related parking enforcement remain canceled through the early part of next week.