Baltimore Mayor’s Office: Update on Winter Storm Management

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Baltimore Mayor’s Office: Update on Winter Storm Management

BALTIMORE, MD (Sunday, January 19, 2025) –Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott issued the following update regarding City Government efforts to confront the winter storm impacting Baltimore and the region.

The Baltimore City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains activated.

For updated weather forecasts and traffic conditions, residents should tune into local news stations, check social media resources and visit the city’s snow page at snow.baltimore city.gov.

Forecast Update

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory until 7:00 p.m. Total snow accumulation between 2-4 inches is expected.  Temperatures will drop into the 20s this evening, and freezing conditions are expected.

Ongoing Road Treatment & Crew Deployment

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT) snow crews and contractors have been fully activated in preparation for this storm since 8:00 a.m. this morning.

Main streets, school zones, and emergency routes to hospitals are among the first areas to be plowed and salted.  Crews will focus on all primary and secondary zones, and will treatment roads ahead of the freezing temperature drop this evening.  A full deployment of available crews continues, with over 230 DOT snow vehicles and equipment currently deployed and over 400 additional contractor vehicles in rotation.

The BCDOT would like to remind residents and businesses to be good neighbors by clearing snow and ice from the public sidewalks surrounding their property.

Closures & Service Delays

DPW has suspended Mechanical Street Sweeping operations until further notice.

DPW & DOT, supported by emergency contractors, continue to coordinate to prioritize outstanding collections. Residents with missed trash or recycling pickups are encouraged to call 311 to assist crews in resolving delays.

Reminders for Residents

  • Take the necessary precautions for yourselves and your families.
  • Check on elderly or sick neighbors
  • Stay home and off the roads, if possible. If travel is necessary, drive slowly and take added precautions.
  • Shovel and salt the areas/sidewalks outside of your homes and businesses.
  • Do not park in emergency snow zones.
  • Do not crowd the plow.
  • Street sweeping is not in effect.
  • Be careful with secondary heating sources like space heaters. Always use as directed and avoid placing them anywhere that may be a fire hazard.
  • If you experience issues related to building heat being out, you can contact 311 who may be able to provide assistance.
  • Ensure smoke alarms are in working order and establish a fire safety plan for your entire family.
  • Remember to bring pets indoors whenever possible. If your pet is outdoors, they must be protected by a well-constructed, raised shelter that is dry and draft-free. Sufficient bedding and a door flap must be in place to maintain body heat. Fresh, unfrozen, drinkable water must be provided at all times. If you witness a pet without adequate shelter, contact animal control via 311 (phone or app). If you believe an animal is in immediate life-threatening danger, call 911.
  • Stay tuned to the DOT social media for tips and tricks for the weather

Water Main Breaks

Increased Breaks

  • Freezing and thawing cycles from recent severe weather have caused an increase in water main breaks across Baltimore City and Baltimore County service areas.

Current Efforts

  • DPW has deployed extra crews and emergency contractors to repair breaks as quickly and safely as possible, prioritizing service restoration. Crews will continue work throughout the weekend and the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

Infrastructure Modernization

  • The City’s 15-mile water main replacement program remains underway to improve long-term reliability.

What Residents Can Do

Report Water Main Breaks

  • Baltimore City: Call 311 or use the mobile app/online portal.
  • Baltimore County: Call 443-263-2220.
  • Track repair progress on DPW’s Interactive Map.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

  • Let a thin stream of water run from a basement faucet to prevent freezing.
  • Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to reach pipes.
  • Shut off water to outdoor faucets and insulate pipes in unheated areas.
  • Locate and test your home’s water shutoff valve.
  • Keep bottled water on hand for emergencies.

Property Maintenance

  • Property owners are responsible for water lines from the meter to their homes and internal plumbing.

Snow Emergency Routes

The Department of Transportation advises motorists to avoid parking along designated Snow Emergency Routes.

Snow Emergency Routes are clearly marked with black and white signs and residents should follow all posted signage. Residents that park along these designated routes obstruct the movement of snow plows and hinder safe snow removal efforts. Residents with questions concerning the location of their vehicles should call 311.

Code Blue Extreme Cold Declaration & Winter Shelter Activation

The Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) has issued a Code Blue Extreme Cold Declaration Sunday night, January 19, 2025, through Thursday, January 23, 2025.

Please take the necessary precautions, stay indoors whenever possible, and check on vulnerable neighbors and loved ones.