ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today declared a
State of Emergency due to the major winter storm and dangerously cold temperatures expected to impact Maryland beginning Saturday. Governor Moore also requested an Emergency Declaration from the federal government, which enables the federal government’s ability to expedite assistance to the State during and after the storm if necessary.
The storm will bring hazards including heavy snow, ice, and wind chills near or below zero across the entire State. Travel will be hazardous to near impossible, and at times may be life-threatening, throughout the weekend. Marylanders are urged to avoid travel, to follow local forecasts, and to make preparations ahead of the storm’s impact.
“Keeping our people safe is always our top priority, but local officials, law enforcement, and first responders cannot do it alone. Everyone must act with caution and follow guidance from local officials during this winter storm,”
said Gov. Moore. “Do not travel unless it is absolutely necessary. Staying off the roads is essential to keeping routes clear for law enforcement, snow removal crews, and emergency responders so they can do their jobs without delay.”
The escalation to a State of Emergency from a
State of Preparedness means a shift from preventative measures to response efforts; immediate actions are being taken to safeguard Marylanders. The Department of Emergency Management is coordinating the State’s response, working with State and local government officials to meet the needs of Marylanders. The State Emergency Activation Level will increase on Saturday and the State Emergency Operations Center will be staffed throughout the weekend.
“We’re urging all Marylanders to take the threat of this storm seriously,”
said Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russell Strickland. “Extreme cold temperatures and the impact of ice on roads will cause dangerous and life threatening conditions. Be prepared to stay put and tune into local news stations to receive the latest information on the weather conditions, and follow instructions from your local authorities.”
Detailed snow and ice totals will be updated regularly on the
National Weather Service website.
State Actions
- The
Maryland Department of Emergency Management will staff the State Emergency Operations Center beginning Saturday with personnel from across state government. The Department will be coordinating with local governments, state agencies, and nongovernmental and federal partners to quickly and effectively respond to the needs of communities throughout the storm.
- The
Maryland Department of Transportation is activating the State Highway Administration Emergency Operations Center on Saturday with storm managers in place to manage operations. Crews began brining operations on Thursday and will complete them by today. The Coordinated Highway Action Response Team will enhance roadside patrols to clear lanes more rapidly in case of crashes, disabled vehicles or road debris. Maryland Transportation Authority will temporarily close the I-95 Express Toll Lanes on Saturday, January 24 in Baltimore to prioritize snow removal operations. The Maryland Transit Administration will closely monitor transit conditions and will update riders via social media and rider alerts on impacts to transit systems.
- The
Maryland State Police will be increasing staffing across the State and tracking incidents throughout the State.
- The
Maryland National Guard has mobilized more than 100 personnel. Guard members will provide transportation, mobility, and logistical support to civil authorities to preserve public safety, save lives, prevent human suffering, mitigate property damage, and enable recovery efforts. The activated Guard members are strategically prepositioning assets in key locations throughout Maryland and are prepared to provide support to civilian first responders with 10 Light Medium Tactical Vehicles and 32 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles, also known as Humvees.
- The
Public Service Commission is coordinating the state’s utilities on storm preparedness efforts and outage response, particularly with the potential for heavy snow and ice accumulation. Utilities have communicated to the commission that they plan to fully staff line and field crews, bring in contractors when necessary, and maximize customer service and call center staffing to maintain system reliability, repair weather‑related damage, restore service as safely and quickly as possible and communicate safety and preparedness information to customers. The state's major utilities have committed to having crews work around the clock until all customers are restored, with priority given to public safety facilities, emergency services, and infrastructure serving large numbers of customers.
- The
Maryland Department of Health is standing by to coordinate the state’s public health and medical response during the storm, coordinating with state and local agencies, local health departments, hospital systems, state hospitals and the National Weather Service to monitor hazardous weather and make plans for any resources that may be needed. The department will also provide weather preparedness information including warming center locations on all of their social media channels.
- The
Maryland Department of Disabilities will activate the disability hotline on Sunday. The hotline is not for emergency services, but is available to provide resources, referrals, and expertise for people with disabilities. The disability hotline will be activated through Monday. Assistive technology kits are prepared for deployment for use in mass care shelters. A staff member is standing by to provide just-in-time training and tech support for deployed devices.
Preparing Your Home and Family for a Winter Storm
- Stay informed by regularly checking weather updates from official sources and be sure to have a way to access local forecasts and warnings.
- Have an emergency kit ready and a family emergency plan in place.
- Heed all warnings and stay indoors during severe weather.
- Check with local authorities for the latest information about public evacuation shelters.
- Keep devices charged in case of power outages.
- Know who to contact in the case of a power outage.
Emergency phone numbers for utility companies can be found at mdem.maryland.gov.
- Follow Maryland Department of Emergency Management and regional National Weather Service social media accounts for localized forecasts.
Information about assistance with energy bills is available through the
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Generator Safety
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.
- The generator should be at least 20 feet away from the home and away from windows, doors, and vents.
- Learn more about safe generator use from the American
Red Cross.
Staying Safe During Winter Storms
- Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
- Watch for
symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite - it can set in quickly, especially if you have exposed skin or have been outside in the cold for an extended period of time.
- Please avoid travel if possible. If you absolutely must travel, be sure to let someone know your route and destination before you go.
- Know your evacuation routes.
- If you're able, check on older neighbors or relatives who may live alone to see if they're doing well or need assistance.
For the latest information, please visit
weather.gov/lwx. To receive alerts, tips, and resources related to threats and hazards affecting or that may affect Maryland, text
MdReady to 211-631 or text
MdListo for Spanish.
Marylanders can monitor power outages through the MdReady installable app and website:
MdReady.maryland.gov
For more information, visit the Maryland Department of Emergency Management’s website at
mdem.maryland.gov, follow the department’s X (Twitter) feed at
@MDMEMA, or follow the department’s Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/MDMEMA.
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