Public Notice: Winter Storm Emergency and Essential City Services

Emergency Declaration: State of Emergency and Winter Storm Warning

Mayor Brandon M. Scott has officially declared a State of Emergency for Baltimore City in response to a severe winter weather system impacting the region. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Baltimore, which is in effect from 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, through 4:00 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026. Residents are urged to avoid all non-essential travel as road conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly due to significant snow accumulation and ice. The Baltimore City Office of Emergency Management has activated the Emergency Operations Center to coordinate citywide response efforts.

Health Advisory: Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Taylor has issued a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert effective from the evening of Friday, January 23, through Tuesday, January 27. With wind chills forecasted to reach the single digits and the potential for negative wind chills, the risk of hypothermia and frostbite is extreme. The Health Department advises the following safety measures:

• Stay indoors as much as possible. If you must go outside, wear multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing, including hats, scarves, and gloves.
• Check on elderly neighbors, children, and vulnerable individuals to ensure they have adequate heating and supplies.
• Individuals in need of emergency shelter or those seeking the locations of activated warming centers should call 311 for immediate assistance.

Department of Transportation: Parking and Transit Advisories

To facilitate snow removal and assist residents during the emergency, the City of Baltimore has opened all city-owned parking facilities for free use on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents are encouraged to move vehicles off narrow streets to allow snowplows and emergency vehicles to pass. Additionally, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has announced that Mobility services will be reduced or narrowed throughout Saturday, January 24, based on roadway safety factors such as icing and accumulation. Commuters should expect significant delays across all local bus and light rail routes.

Department of Public Works: Service Updates

The Department of Public Works (DPW) provides the following updates for Saturday services:

• The Sisson Street Residential Recycling Center remains scheduled to operate from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for recycling and Christmas tree mulching services, though early closure is possible if weather conditions worsen.
• Residents are reminded that all decorations and tinsel must be removed from trees prior to drop-off.
• In the event of a total service suspension, the 311 system will be updated with makeup dates for trash and recycling collection.

Legislative Update

The Maryland General Assembly continues its 2026 legislative session, which convened on January 14. Residents are encouraged to stay informed on the city's 2026 legislative priorities, including funding for infrastructure resilience and housing strategies, as the session progresses in Annapolis.