BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, February 11, 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) was activated at 3:00 pm and will remain activated until the end of the storm.   

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.baltimorecity.gov.  

Forecast Update  

The Baltimore Metro area is expecting 3-4 inches of snow overnight.  The heavier snow will take place once the sun has gone down and the temperatures drop.  The bulk of the snow should be out of the area around 3am Wednesday morning. ]

Ongoing Road Treatment & Crew Deployment  

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation snow crews and contractors have been fully activated in preparation for this storm since 8:00 a.m. this morning. Pre-Treatment of the roads began yesterday evening and snow crews will continue to salt and plow city roadways through Tuesday evening /Wednesday morning.  

A full deployment of internal and contractor resources are in rotation, including more than 200 city vehicles/equipment and an additional 400 contractor vehicles are on the road.  

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 treat as many areas as possible before the temperatures drop significantly this evening. 

The Baltimore City Department of General Services Facilities Maintenance staff and contractors have been activated. For the downtown campus and outlying facilities, pre-treatment of sidewalks and walkways began Tuesday morning. Snow removal crews will continue to salt and clear snow from walkways and parking lots through Tuesday evening/Wednesday morning. 

Closures & Service Delays  

All Enoch Pratt Free Library locations closed at 2:00 PM today due to anticipated inclement weather. All programs and events are canceled or postponed.  

All Baltimore City Public Schools dismissed two hours early today due to anticipated inclement weather. All after-school activities are cancelled, and tonight’s Board of School Commissioners meeting will be held virtually.  

All Baltimore City Recreation and Parks after school and evening activities, as well as facility rentals were cancelled today.  

All Community Action Partnership (CAP) centers closed at 2:00 PM today due to anticipated inclement weather.  

All senior centers closed at 1:00pm today due to anticipated inclement weather.  

Street sweeping has been cancelled for Wednesday, February 12 and Thursday, February 13 as sweeper operators are detailed to snow operations. 

Routine trash and recycling collections will occur as scheduled on Wednesday, February 12, but may be delayed.  

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 Purple Winter Shelter Activation  

The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services has declared Code Purple winter shelter activation until Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Residents who are in need of emergency shelter should call the Baltimore City Shelter Hotline at (443) 984-9540 which has extended hours of operation during winter shelter activation from 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. After 9:00 p.m. residents should call (443) 695-7378 to be connected to emergency shelter.   
For a full list of warming centers, emergency shelters, and additional resources available during winter shelter activation, visit homeless.baltimorecity.gov/winter-shelter.