Annapolis, Anne Arundel Co. Brace For Major Winter Storm: Latest Forecast, How To Prepare

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — As a strong winter storm heads toward the region, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County officials are reminding residents about snow removal policies, and sharing tips to prepare for the arctic blast.

The National Weather Service forecast calls for as much as 12 inches of snow could fall in Annapolis this weekend, forecasters said in a Friday update, with the potential for additional ice accumulations. The storm is also predicted to bring bitterly cold temperatures to the region, with wind chills reaching as low as 10 degrees below zero.

The worsening forecast prompted Gov. Wes Moore to declare a state of emergency Friday.

• Related: State Of Emergency Declared In MD Ahead Of 'Remarkably Dangerous' Storm

A winter storm warning is in effect for most of Maryland, and encompasses Baltimore City and surrounding counties, including Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Prince George's, and Howard. The warning is in effect from 11 p.m. Saturday until 4 a.m. Monday.

The National Weather Service said snow is expected to begin late Saturday night, becoming heavier Sunday morning before transitioning to a mix of sleet and freezing rain later in the day, with temperatures remaining below freezing. Frigid conditions will follow the storm, with below-freezing daytime highs and overnight lows near or below 10 degrees early next week.

See winter weather policies and updates from the city of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (below.)

Cancellations

The Severn Senior Activity Center, 1160A Reece Road, Severn, will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 25.

Annapolis Snow Emergency Declared

Residents should have essential supplies on hand as the storm may disrupt travel on local roads for several days.

PHASE TWO SNOW EMERGENCY: At 8 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, the City will declare a Phase Two Snow Emergency, requiring vehicles to be moved off Snow Emergency Routes for the duration of the event. As of 4 p.m. on Saturday, the City will open the four City-owned garages (Park Place, Knighton, Gotts, and Mills Hillman) for residents to park for free. Because parked cars are one of the biggest challenges for snow crews, vehicles that remain on Snow Emergency Routes after 10 p.m. on Saturday may be towed at the expense of the vehicle owner. To find a listing of snow emergency routes, visit: https://www.annapolis.gov/730/Snow-Information.

PUBLIC WORKS: The Annapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) has already begun preparations for this storm. With 1,000 tons of salt on hand and 11,000 gallons of brine, the City will begin pretreatment of roadways on Saturday. Once snowfall begins, DPW crews will move to plow and salt/brine operations, working in 12-hour shifts. Residents should avoid travel during the storm to allow crews time to do their work.

POTENTIAL FOR POWER OUTAGES: Baltimore Gas and Electric said it is prepared to handle potential outages due to icy conditions from the storm. Residents are reminded to stay well clear of downed trees and wires and report outages by calling 877-778-2222, texting OUT to MYBGE (69243), or visiting the BGE “Report an Outage” portal online.

ANNAPOLIS CALL CENTER & EOC ACTIVATION: The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is at an “enhanced” level as staff monitors weather conditions. The Annapolis Call Center will be operational throughout this event for non-emergency storm-related questions. Annapolis residents can call 410-260-2211. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.

ANNAPOLIS TRANSIT: Transit operations for Sunday, including paratransit, the downtown Magenta Shuttle, and Go Time on-demand service, are currently expected to operate on a normal schedule. Annapolis Transportation will evaluate conditions at 5 a.m. on Sunday. Any schedule changes will be announced on the city website.

WARMING CENTER: Now through at least next Tuesday morning, the City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has activated the overnight warming center at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center (273 Hilltop Lane, Annapolis). The warming center is a temporary emergency warming center of last resort (not an emergency shelter). If there is a need for general or long-term sheltering assistance, contact the Crisis Response System Warmline at 410-768-5522.

SNOWPATHS: The City of Annapolis uses SnowPaths, an online tool that provides real-time GPS tracking of snow plowing and road salting operations during winter storms. Once snowfall begins, the portal will be available at https://www.annapolis.gov/2217/SnowPaths.

SNOW INFORMATION: For information on Annapolis’ general policies for snow, plowing, and declarations of snow emergencies, visit the Snow Information page on the City’s website.

STAY INFORMED: Prepare Me Annapolis Mobile App – This free app from OEM provides real-time alerts and information for Annapolitans to be prepared in any type of emergency. Prepare Me Annapolis is available, free of charge, on both the Apple Store and Google Play.

Visit the City on social media at: www.Facebook.com/CityofAnnapolis and www.instagram.com/cityofannapolismd.

Anne Arundel County Snow Removal Policies, Storm Prep Tips

Anne Arundel County is responsible for treating and plowing over 6,700 county-maintained roads. Resources are deployed according to the county's Travel Guide, which differentiates among the various road classifications.

To allow county plows adequate time to service areas, residents are asked to allow at least 16 hours after the conclusion of the snowstorm before submitting a snow removal request.

Likewise, there may be delays in curbside trash, recycling, and yard waste collection. Residents should leave their materials at the curb until collections can be completed. Trash and recycling collections will be the priority, and yard waste will be collected as resources allow.

Property owners are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks. Failure to do so is a civil offense and subject to fines.

Complaints about snow and ice removal on sidewalks can be submitted online via See-Click-Fix (select the snow removal - sidewalks option) or by calling 3-1-1. Concerns can also be made by calling 410-222-7788 or via email to licensemailbox@aacounty.org. For more information, visit the Snow and Ice Removal web page.

POWER OUTAGES: The storm could knock down tree limbs onto power lines and other power grid equipment, causing power outages. BGE asks all customers to report their outage:

• Online, at BGE.com
• BGE's free mobile app, available at the Apple Store or Google Play
• Text message, to 69243
• Phone, by calling 877-778-2222

PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR COLD: The county's Office of Emergency Management urges residents to prepae for the cold or winter weather impacts to travel and power.

1. Protect Your Home and Infrastructure: Ensure heating systems are functioning properly and set thermostats to maintain consistent indoor temperatures. Insulate exposed pipes and seal drafts around windows and doors to prevent heat loss and frozen plumbing. Clear gutters and downspouts to reduce ice buildup and potential water damage.

2. Prepare for Power Outages: Assemble essential outage supplies, including flashlights, batteries, and fully charged portable power banks. Identify safe alternative heating methods and understand carbon monoxide risks. Know how to safely shut off utilities if needed during an emergency.

3. Maintain Essential Supplies: Stock at least a three-day supply of food, water, medications, and medical necessities. Ensure adequate warm clothing, blankets, and hygiene items are readily available. Include supplies for pets and any special dietary or medical needs within the household.

4. Ensure Vehicle and Travel Readiness: Avoid unnecessary travel during winter storm conditions. Prepare vehicles by checking tires, antifreeze, and windshield washer fluid. Keep fuel tanks adequately filled and carry an emergency kit with blankets, food, water, and basic tools in case of travel delays.

5. Prioritize Personal and Community Safety: Dress appropriately for cold exposure, using layered clothing to reduce frostbite risk. Use heating devices safely and never operate generators or grills indoors. Monitor weather updates and check on vulnerable individuals, including elderly neighbors and those with access or medical needs.