Baltimore, January 25, 2026
Baltimore has declared a state of emergency due to a significant winter storm expected to bring heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. The storm is anticipated to last from late Saturday night into Monday morning, with accumulations of 7 to 14 inches of snow and additional ice. City officials activated the Snow Emergency Plan to prepare for the extreme conditions, while the Maryland National Guard is on standby to support response efforts. Residents are advised to stay informed and exercise caution during this severe weather event.
Baltimore Declares State of Emergency Amid Severe Winter Storm
Baltimore, Maryland – A significant winter storm has prompted Baltimore officials to declare a state of emergency, activating the city’s Snow Emergency Plan. The storm, which began late Saturday night, is expected to continue into the early hours of Monday, bringing heavy snowfall, sleet, and freezing temperatures to the region.
Storm Details
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for central and western Maryland, effective from 11 p.m. Saturday through 4 a.m. Monday. Forecasts indicate total snow and sleet accumulations ranging between 7 and 14 inches, with ice accumulations between one and two-tenths of an inch. Snowfall is anticipated to begin late Saturday night, potentially falling at rates of one to two inches per hour during the storm’s peak. On Sunday, the precipitation is forecast to transition into a mix of sleet and freezing rain, particularly in areas south of Highway 50. These conditions are expected to make travel nearly impossible, with visibility dropping to a quarter mile or less at times.
City Preparations
In response to the impending storm, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced the activation of the city’s Snow Emergency Plan. The city’s Emergency Operations Center was activated at 5 p.m. Saturday to coordinate response efforts. The mayor emphasized the severity of the storm, noting that it is the greatest snowfall the city has experienced since 2016. He also highlighted the threat of extreme cold conditions lasting into the following week.
State and Local Measures
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency ahead of the winter storm. Approximately 160 personnel of the Maryland National Guard have been activated to support civil authorities with specialized vehicles across the state, ensuring rapid response capabilities for communities that may require assistance during the inclement weather. The activated Guard members are prepared to provide support to civilian first responders with Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTV) and High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (Humvees).
Public Advisory
Residents are urged to stay informed by monitoring local news and official city communications for updates on road conditions and emergency services. The Baltimore City Health Department has declared a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert, effective from Friday night, January 23, through Tuesday, January 27, to protect vulnerable populations from the severe cold.
Background
This winter storm is part of a larger system affecting much of the United States, stretching over 2,000 miles from New Mexico to Maine. The storm is expected to bring severe snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, threatening to cause widespread power outages and hazardous travel conditions. Nearly 230 million Americans are likely to be affected, with over 50 million facing extreme cold in major cities like Dallas, Minneapolis, and Chicago.
Key Features of the Winter Storm
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Storm Duration | Late Saturday night through early Monday morning |
| Snow Accumulation | 7 to 14 inches |
| Ice Accumulation | 0.1 to 0.2 inches |
| Travel Conditions | Nearly impossible, with visibility dropping to a quarter mile or less |
| City Response | Activation of Snow Emergency Plan and Emergency Operations Center |
| State Response | Activation of Maryland National Guard with specialized vehicles |
| Public Advisory | Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert declared to protect vulnerable populations |
FAQ
What is the current weather forecast for Baltimore?
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for central and western Maryland, effective from 11 p.m. Saturday through 4 a.m. Monday. Total snow and sleet accumulations are expected to range between 7 and 14 inches, with ice accumulations between one and two-tenths of an inch. Snow is anticipated to begin late Saturday night, potentially falling at rates of one to two inches per hour during the storm’s peak. On Sunday, the precipitation is forecast to transition into a mix of sleet and freezing rain, particularly in areas south of Highway 50. These conditions are expected to make travel nearly impossible, with visibility dropping to a quarter mile or less at times.
What measures has the city taken in response to the storm?
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced the activation of the city’s Snow Emergency Plan. The city’s Emergency Operations Center was activated at 5 p.m. Saturday to coordinate response efforts. The mayor emphasized the severity of the storm, noting that it is the greatest snowfall the city has experienced since 2016. He also highlighted the threat of extreme cold conditions lasting into the following week.
Has the Maryland National Guard been mobilized?
Yes, approximately 160 personnel of the Maryland National Guard have been activated to support civil authorities with specialized vehicles across the state. The activated Guard members are prepared to provide support to civilian first responders with Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTV) and High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (Humvees).
What is a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert?
The Baltimore City Health Department has declared a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert, effective from Friday night, January 23, through Tuesday, January 27, to protect vulnerable populations from the severe cold. A Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert is declared during periods of extremely cold weather to reduce hypothermia deaths and protect the health and safety of individuals experiencing homelessness, older adults, and other vulnerable populations.
How widespread is this winter storm?
This winter storm is part of a larger system affecting much of the United States, stretching over 2,000 miles from New Mexico to Maine. The storm is expected to bring severe snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, threatening to cause widespread power outages and hazardous travel conditions. Nearly 230 million Americans are likely to be affected, with over 50 million facing extreme cold in major cities like Dallas, Minneapolis, and Chicago.
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