Posted on 01/25/26
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 25, 2026 — This evening, Mayor Brandon M. Scott issued the following update regarding the ongoing winter storm that has caused snow accumulation, icy conditions, and freezing temperatures.
The Baltimore City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains activated. The State of Emergency declaration issued by Mayor Scott on Friday, January 23rd remains in effect.
Forecast Update
The Baltimore region remains under a Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). Snowfall continued throughout Sunday afternoon and is expected to last into the late evening according to the NWS. So far, Baltimore City has over seen 8 inches of snow accumulation. The NWS forecasts snow and sleet accumulations to be expected along with ice accumulation from freezing rain. Residents should tune into local news stations and check official social media resources for updates.
Closures
Baltimore City Government will be closed for in-person operations tomorrow, Monday, January 26, 2026, for all non-essential employees. Essential employees must report to work and remain at work as scheduled. Government buildings will not be open.
Residents are encouraged to make accommodations to account for this temporary disruption of in-person services. Information on online payment options can be found here: https://pay.baltimorecity.gov/
Baltimore City Public Schools and Central Office will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026. For schools this is the first day of three traditional winter weather closures that are identified in the district calendar in June as make up days. Essential personnel must report on Monday.
The Circuit Court for Baltimore City, including all court house buildings will be closed Monday, January 26, 2026 due to inclement weather. Essential personnel must report on Monday.
Enoch Pratt Free Libraries will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026 due to inclement weather. All programs and events are canceled or postponed.
All Baltimore City Department of Public Works Resident Recycling Centers will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026 due to inclement weather.
All Mayor's Office of Employment Development job centers will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026 due to inclement weather.
Solid Waste Operations
Due the snowstorm, icy conditions, and forecasted freezing temperatures, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is implementing a temporary shift in trash and recycling operations beginning Tuesday, January 27, 2027, to protect public safety and maintain essential services.
DPW anticipates that many alleys will be impassable due to snow and ice buildup, requiring operational adjustments to ensure crews can safely access neighborhoods and continue trash collection.
Residents who receive alley trash collection and whose normal pickup day is Wednesday through Friday are asked to move their trash to the end of the alley or to the front of their home to ensure continued access for collection crews. Residents are also asked to be careful not to block alleys so emergency vehicles, neighbors, and service crews can pass safely.
Service updates include:
This temporary collection approach allows DPW to focus operational resources on removing as much trash as possible during severe winter conditions.
Residents are encouraged to work together with neighbors, especially those who may need assistance moving trash, to help keep neighborhoods clean and accessible.
If a trash pickup is missed, residents should call 311 to notify the City, and DPW crews will return to remove the trash.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) will continue providing real-time updates and service alerts through official communication channels.
Baltimore Snow Corps
Mayor Brandon M. Scott and the City of Baltimore have officially launched a new neighbor-to-neighbor snow assistance program, called “Baltimore Snow Corps.” Baltimore Snow Corps is a pilot volunteer program that helps connect residents who need assistance clearing snow and ice from sidewalks with neighbors who are willing to help during winter weather events.
This program is designed to support seniors, people with disabilities, and others who may have difficulty safely clearing sidewalks during snowstorms. It relies on community volunteers and does not replace city snow operations.
Residents that need help or want to volunteer can sign-up by calling 311, use the 311 web page, or use the BALT311 app. A small team operating out of the Emergency Operations Center will be monitoring service requests on Sunday, January 25, 2026 and Monday, January 26, 2026 and will attempt to match volunteers with residents nearby who need assistance. More information is available at moca.baltimorecity.gov/baltimore-snow-corps.
Ongoing Road Treatment & Crew Deployment
Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT) snow crews and contractors have been fully activated and continue to work around the clock plowing and treating roads. With both city crews and contractor forces, DOT has over 700 vehicles available for snow removal efforts.
Crews continue to focus on arterial and collector streets and key routes to schools and hospitals. Crews are working to conduct as much treatment as possible.
Residents are strongly encouraged to stay home and postpone trips unless absolutely necessary. If you must drive, clear all snow off your vehicle, maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles, and don’t crowd plows while they are working. If you see icy roads or sidewalks, call 311 or submit a request via the 311 app.
Parking Availability
Residents are reminded that parking is restricted along all snow emergency routes 24 hours a day to allow curb-to-curb plowing and salting. Illegally parked cars may be ticketed and towed to maintain public safety and emergency access. Free parking for residents is available in City-owned parking garages and select City Schools parking lots. The full list of garages and parking lots can be found at https://snow.baltimorecity.gov/.
DOT is enforcing snow evacuation route signage. Please report any locations marked on the maps but missing signs to 311.
Public and Commuter Transit Modifications
Local Buses will continue to operate service along CityLink Routes only.
Metro Subway will operate on a regular weekday schedule. Commuters may encounter delays.
Light Rail will operate on a regular weekday schedule. Commuters may encounter delays.
MARC Train service on the Penn Camden, and Brunswick Lines will be suspended Monday, January 26, 2026.
Charm City Circulator and Harbor Connector Service will operate on a modified schedule and service will begin on Monday, January 26th at 10 am, weather and conditions permitting.
CCC patrons should download the PassioGo! app for service updates.
Harbor Connector patrons should subscribe to text alerts by texting “harborconnector” to 410-988-6601 or sign up for alerts by visiting https://mobile-text-alerts.com/harborconnector.
Code Blue Declaration
The Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) has issued a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert starting Friday evening, January 23, through Tuesday, January 27, due to forecasted wind chills expected to drop into the single digits, with the possibility of negative wind chills. These extreme cold conditions can be dangerous and pose serious health risks to Baltimore residents, particularly those exposed to the cold for extended periods. BCHD is also encouraging residents to stay indoors when possible. If going outdoors, please wear a coat, gloves, hat, and dress in layers.
Residents can find real-time updates and information on Code Blue Declaration resources at https://health.baltimorecity.gov/emergency-preparedness-response/code-blue.
Winter Shelter Activation & Code Purple Activation
The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) has declared a Code Purple winter shelter activation, which will continue through Tuesday, January 27th.
City-funded outreach teams — including MOHS Outreach, People Encouraging People, and the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore — will identify and engage people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, offering shelter, resources, and transportation. MOHS outreach teams began working extended hours from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Friday and Saturday to identify and engage individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness including those living in encampments.
Residents in need of shelter – or those who see someone experiencing homelessness – can call (443) 984-9540 before 12:00 AM and 311 after 12:00 AM.
Residents can also request outreach services at http://homeless.baltimorecity.gov/winter-shelter or by emailing homelessoutreach@baltimorecity.gov. Residents can also contact the MOHS Outreach Team or call 311 anytime.
MOHS Warming Centers
As part of MOHS’ Code Purple activation, the following Continuum of Care (CoC) providers will operate as warming centers for people experiencing homelessness:
Emergency Warming Sites for Displaced Residents
Emergency warming shelters will be available to residents displaced by emergencies like extended power outages or fire. These shelters will be operated in coordination with the American Red Cross:
GE Outage Updates
At this time, BGE is not reporting any widespread power outages. BGE asks all customers to report power outages. If you experience a power outage or need to report a downed wire, please call 877-778-2222. BGE asks all customers to report their outage. Outages may also be reported online, by texting OUT to MYBGE (69243), and via BGE’s free mobile app available on the Apple App Store or GooglePlay