Official Notice: Code Blue Alert, Housing Deadlines, and Transit Advisories

Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert Issued

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Taylor has issued a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert for the City of Baltimore, effective Friday evening, January 23, 2026. This alert is scheduled to remain in place through Tuesday, January 27, in response to a forecast of dangerously low temperatures. Wind chills are expected to drop into the single digits, with the potential for sub-zero conditions over the weekend. Residents are urged to minimize time spent outdoors and to check on vulnerable neighbors. The city’s warming centers will be operational during this period to provide relief for those in need of shelter.

Housing Authority Voucher Deadline

The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) reminds the public that the application window for the 2026 Project-Based Voucher (Section 8) waiting list closes today. Eligible households have until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 23, to submit their preliminary applications online. This program provides essential rental assistance for very low-income families, elderly residents, and individuals with disabilities. For those requiring accessibility support or assistance with the application process, the HABC call center remains available until 5:00 p.m. today. Applications submitted after the midnight deadline will not be considered for this cycle.

Department of Transportation Lane Closures

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT) is concluding its scheduled weekday maintenance and infrastructure updates in the downtown corridor. Motorists should expect continued lane closures and traffic modifications through the evening of Friday, January 23. Impacted areas include major intersections near the Inner Harbor and central business district. Drivers are encouraged to utilize real-time navigation apps for detours and to allow for extra travel time during the evening rush hour as crews finalize work ahead of the weekend’s extreme weather conditions.

Public Transit and Commuter Advisories

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has released a modified afternoon pick-up schedule for commuter buses on Friday, January 23, to accommodate the March for Life event. Additionally, transit riders should be aware of ongoing detours for Local Link Routes 22 and 32. Passengers are advised to verify their schedules via the MTA website or mobile app before heading to their stops. Furthermore, state health officials have confirmed $164 million in surge funding for Maryland hospitals to manage the current increase in respiratory illness hospitalizations, including influenza and COVID-19, ensuring that emergency services remain accessible to the public during this peak season.