MD State Of Emergency Declared By Gov. Moore: Here's What To Know

Updated at 8:23 p.m.

Gov. Wes Moore said Sunday night that he has declared a state of emergency in Maryland in advance of the major winter storm that is starting to drop snow across the state through Monday, Feb. 23.

Travel overnight will be extremely hazardous, especially in areas under a blizzard warning. Marylanders are urged to avoid travel, to follow local forecasts, to stay prepared for winter storm hazards, and to prepare for power outages.

Liberal leave is in effect for Maryland state government on Monday, February 23. The governor's office previously said incorrectly that the government would be closed on Monday.

The state will continue to assess conditions throughout the night and will update any decision regarding closure if necessary.

“The safety of Marylanders comes first and this storm has the potential to produce life-threatening conditions across large parts of the state,” Moore's statement said. “Stay off the roads, check on your neighbors, and listen to local authorities. Please be vigilant and take this storm seriously to protect yourself and your loved ones.”

A winter storm warning is in effect for much of Maryland Sunday evening into Monday as a coastal nor’easter moves up the East Coast. Rain will transition to snow as temperatures drop and the storm strengthens this evening. Blizzard warnings are in effect for parts of the Eastern Shore, where heavy snow combined with strong winds will create whiteout conditions and very low visibility, making travel dangerous to impossible at times.

Hazardous travel conditions are expected statewide, with the worst conditions Sunday night into Monday morning. Roads may become slick and dangerous as the storm intensifies. Temperatures are expected to fall as the storm system progresses, which could lead to icy surfaces. Heavy snow and wind-driven blowing snow are expected to create very poor visibility.

In Carroll, Baltimore, Cecil, Anne Arundel, Howard and Harford counties, a winter storm warning is in effect until 10 a.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Total snow accumulations between 5 and 10 inches, are forecast, with locally higher amounts around a foot possible in northeast Maryland. Northwest winds will gust between 30 and 45 mph overnight through Monday.

In Montgomery and Frederick counties, a winter storm warning is in effect until 10 a.m. Monday. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches are forecast for the lower elevations. For elevations elevations above 1,000 feet, snow accumulations of 6 to 8 inches are expected with localized amounts around a foot on the ridge tops of the Catoctin Mountains, the NWS said.

Blizzard conditions are expected on the Eastern Shore, with snow totals between 12 and 17 inches expected, with localized higher amounts possible. Winds as high as 45 to 50 mph with gusts as high as 60 mph are forecast along the Atlantic coastline.

The blizzard warning is in effect until 7 p.m. Monday for Dorchester, inland Worcester, Maryland Beaches, Somerset, and Wicomico counties.

Detailed snow and ice totals will be updated regularly at weather.gov/lwx/winter.

State Actions Due To The Storm,>

• The Maryland Department of Emergency Management has activated the State Emergency Operations Center as well as the Maryland Joint Information Center. The department will coordinate with local governments, State agencies, and nongovernmental and federal partners to quickly and effectively respond to the needs of communities throughout the storm. State and county emergency operations centers have upgraded their activation levels across Maryland.

• The Maryland Department of Transportation has activated the State Highway Administration Emergency Operations Center. Crews are clearing roadways and Marylanders are urged to remove snow and ice from sidewalks to ensure a clear path for pedestrians and other non-motorists who must travel. Visit roads.maryland.gov to access live traffic cameras and real-time information about traffic incidents.

• The Maryland Transportation Authority will adjust service as the storm progresses. Local bus, light rail and Metro subway will continue to operate on regular Sunday schedules this evening. MARC will run full service on the Penn Line this evening; Camden and Brunswick lines do not operate on the weekend. Mobility/paratransit will handle calls as road conditions dictate, with medical procedure calls taking priority. BWI Marshall Airport is encouraging travelers to check with their airlines before heading to the airport. As of Sunday morning, airlines had cancelled 176 flights.

• The Maryland State Police will increase staffing across the State, with 12 additional troopers assisting with patrol for the night shift. More than 70 extra troopers will assist Monday for the day shift.

• The Public Service Commission reports that electric utilities have implemented storm preparedness and restoration readiness measures, including activation of storm response protocols, pre-staging of restoration crews and equipment, enhanced system monitoring, and coordination with State and local emergency management agencies. Utilities have adjusted staffing levels to ensure adequate restoration capability and remain prepared to initiate restoration operations as conditions allow.

• The Maryland Department of Disabilities will monitor their non-emergency disability hotline beginning this evening at 7 p.m. The hotline provides referrals, support, and case management for people with disabilities and is not intended for emergencies that require 911 services. The hotline is available at 410-340-9263.

Safety Reminders

• Be prepared, stay informed, and have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts.
• Do not travel during the storm. Conditions will be hazardous and at times driving will be impossible. Life-threatening blizzard conditions are possible even in areas that are not under a blizzard warning.
• If you must travel, make sure you have an emergency kit in your vehicle and be sure to let someone know your route and destination before you go.
• Follow local forecasts and heed warnings from local officials.
• Prepare now for power outages.
• Watch for symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite — it can set in quickly, especially if skin is exposed or if you have been outside in the cold for an extended period of time.
• If able, check on older neighbors or relatives who may live alone.

Generator Safety

• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.
• Learn more about safe generator use from the American Red Cross.

For more information on preparedness, visit mdem.maryland.gov, follow MDEM on X at @MDMEMA, or follow MDEM’s Facebook page at facebook.com/MDMEMA.