Winter Storm Warning: State of Emergency and Hazardous Travel for Baltimore

Winter Storm Warning and State of Emergency

Baltimore City and surrounding counties are under a Winter Storm Warning effective from 11:00 p.m. today, Saturday, January 24, 2026, through 4:00 a.m. Monday. Mayor Brandon Scott has declared a State of Emergency in response to the forecasted severe winter weather. Residents are strongly advised to complete all travel and errands before the storm overspreads the region tonight. Snow and mixed precipitation are expected to begin late this evening, with accumulation rates of one to two inches per hour possible overnight.

Frigid Temperatures and Morning Advisories

Early commuters faced extreme cold this morning, as a Cold Weather Advisory remained in effect until 10:00 a.m. Wind chills reached as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit. While the sun may provide some visual relief during the day, temperatures will remain well below freezing, and arctic wind chills will persist through the weekend. Drivers should ensure vehicles are winter-ready, as visibility is expected to drop to one-quarter mile or less once the snow starts tonight.

Major Arteries and Roadwork Alerts

Despite the incoming weather, several scheduled infrastructure projects continue to impact traffic flow on major arteries:

• I-695 (Baltimore Beltway): Motorists should expect weekly lane, ramp, and shoulder closures between I-70 and MD 43 (White Marsh Boulevard) as part of the ongoing Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) project. Specifically, expect intermittent daytime shoulder and single-lane closures on both the Inner and Outer Loops from Pikesville to Towson.
• I-83 (Jones Falls Expressway): Crews are monitoring the corridor for potential icing. Expect salt-spreading operations to begin late this afternoon in preparation for the evening storm.
• Bridge and Tunnel Operations: The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is monitoring wind speeds at the Key Bridge and Hatem Bridge. While no restrictions are currently in place, travelers should be prepared for potential wind-related modifications if conditions deteriorate.

Public Transportation Updates

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has issued a Winter Alert. Commuters should prepare for the following service changes:

• MTA Mobility: Service may be reduced or narrowed today based on roadway snow accumulation and icing. Riders are encouraged to check their trip status before departing.
• MARC Train: A Winter Weather Service Advisory is in effect. While Saturday schedules are currently running, delays are expected as the storm intensifies late tonight.
• Commuter Bus: Special service alerts have been issued for Saturday routes. Passengers should anticipate potential cancellations or modifications to evening return trips.

Transportation officials emphasize that travel may become impossible by Sunday morning. If you must be on the roads today, keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle and stay tuned to local updates as conditions shift.