Baltimore Co. Declares State Of Emergency As Winter Storm Nears: 'Stay Off The Roads'

TOWSON, MD — As a strong winter storm heads toward the region, Baltimore County officials have declared a state of emergency, said County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. She said crews are pre-treating roads before snow and ice begins to fall, and asking residents to be patient and safe.

According to the National Weather Service, the storm is expected to bring heavy snow, with a mix of sleet and freezing rain possible. Several inches of snow are forecast, with more than 10 inches possible in parts of the county. Ice accumulation may also occur.

As a result, Baltimore County will activate its Emergency Operations Center over the weekend and it will remain open during the storm with staff from key county agencies to coordinate response and resource deployment as conditions evolve.

"Keeping residents safe is our top priority,” Klausmeier said. “We’re asking residents to stay off the roads if they can, give our crews the space they need to work, and check in on neighbors who may need extra help.”

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

The Department of Public Works and Transportation has about 500 pieces of equipment and about 600 crew members and contractors ready to treat and plow 2,700 miles of county roads. The county has a total of 91,000 tons of salt stored at 17 locations, along with a full supply of brine.

Crews will be pre-positioned along designated snow routes ahead of the storm to allow for a faster response once conditions deteriorate, particularly during overnight hours or around peak travel times, officials said. Residents are cautioned to avoid travel if possible and to stay prepared for winter storm hazards.

“This storm is likely to impact all of us, which is why every department is working together — and why we are asking residents to do their part to help keep themselves and others safe,” said Baltimore County Administrative Officer D'Andrea Walker.

DPWT prioritizes plowing on main roads first, followed by feeder roads and then residential streets. During storms producing less than six inches of snow, it generally takes about 24 hours to plow all county roads. For storms exceeding six inches, plowing can take up to 48 hours. The county does not plow or salt state roads, private roads, or alleys.

Officials will monitor conditions and assess whether additional services, including trash and recycling collection, CountyRide, and the Loop circulator bus service, need to be modified or suspended.

Ice and snow are expected to coat the region, causing power outages and making travel difficult for several days, weather forecasters said.

As much as 18 inches of snow could fall in some parts of Maryland this weekend, forecasters said in a Friday update. The storm is also predicted to bring bitterly cold temperatures to the Baltimore region, with wind chills reaching as low as 10 degrees below zero.

A winter storm warning is in effect for most of Maryland, including Baltimore City and surrounding counties, including Montgomery, Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Prince George's, Howard and Harford.

The warning is in effect from 11 p.m. Saturday until 4 a.m. Monday.

Baltimore County Snow Removal Policies, Storm Prep Tips

Baltimore County law says that sidewalks must be shoveled within 24 hours after a snowstorm. The county relies on reports from the public when sidewalks have not been cleared.

Officials said it’s important to shovel snow onto your own property and not onto public streets or your neighbor’s property.

Winter Readiness Tips

• Stay off roads if possible.
• If you need to go outside, wear layers of warm clothing.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling and walking in snow. This can help reduce the risk of a heart attack.
• Winterize your home by installing weather stripping, insulation and storm windows. Prepare your vehicle for cold weather use before winter arrives.
• Prepare for weather-related emergencies, including power outages.
• If you have a driveway, it’s often best to wait until after the plows have cleared the road. This can prevent the plow from pushing snow back onto your freshly cleared driveway.
• Bridges and overpasses typically freeze before roads—approach with caution.