Maryland declares state of emergency as winter storm approaches

Democratic Governor Wes Moore of Maryland declared a State of Emergency Sunday as a powerful nor’easter moved up the East Coast, bringing increasingly heavy snowfall to Maryland with blizzard conditions threatening the Eastern Shore overnight.

Snow Intensifies as Storm Strengthens Overnight

Snow began falling in earnest across the Baltimore area by 4 p.m. Sunday, with accumulation expected to ramp up significantly after sunset as temperatures drop and the storm system strengthens.

Local station WBAL Chief Meteorologist Tom Tasselmyer said bands of moderate to heavy snow are passing through Baltimore overnight — the window when most accumulation will occur. Road conditions are expected to deteriorate sharply after dark as colder temperatures turn wet surfaces icy.

As of the 7 p.m. report from BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, this is now the snowiest winter in the Baltimore area since 2018-19, when 18.3 inches were recorded.

A Storm That Could Turn Deadly

Moore’s emergency declaration unlocks state resources and activates a coordinated response across multiple agencies at a moment when conditions are rapidly worsening.

Blizzard conditions — defined as three consecutive hours of snow or blowing snow reducing visibility to a quarter mile or less, with winds or gusts of at least 35 mph — set a high bar, but forecasters warn parts of the Eastern Shore could meet that threshold overnight, according to WBAL. With temperatures continuing to fall, icy surfaces and near-zero visibility could make roads not just dangerous but impassable through Monday morning.

Blizzard Warnings, Snow Emergencies, and School Closings

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for much of Maryland through Monday. A Blizzard Warning covers parts of the Eastern Shore, where heavy snow combined with gusts of 35 mph or higher will create dangerously low visibility.

Maryland State Police have activated Snow Emergency Plans in 11 counties: Calvert, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester. Vehicles parked on snow emergency routes must be moved or will be towed.

Several jurisdictions have announced modified operations for Monday. Baltimore City and Anne Arundel and Baltimore counties will shift to virtual learning. Cecil and Harford counties are fully closed. Carroll and Howard counties will operate on a two-hour delay. Baltimore City government will open at a delayed start of 10 a.m. for non-essential employees, while essential workers must report as scheduled. The city of Annapolis has activated its winter storm plan and is under a Phase 2 Snow Emergency.

On the state level, liberal leave has been declared for all counties and Baltimore City from 6 a.m. through the end of the day shift Monday — a correction from an earlier announcement that had incorrectly indicated a full government closure.

What People Are Saying

Maryland Governor Wes Moore: “The safety of Marylanders comes first and this storm has the potential to produce life-threatening conditions across large parts of the state. 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.”

National Weather Service Baltimore – Washington, via X: “While precipitation has changed to snow across the area this evening, there are two bands of heavier snow rates across the greater Washington area and northeastern Maryland. Plan for snow covered roads and reduced visibility if you must travel.”

Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott shared a winter preparedness video, via X: “Baltimore, I know that you have heard, we are expecting more snow. But know that our snow crews are ready. I have our @BmoreCityDOT Deputy Director here to share how we are getting prepared.”

State Response Ramps Up

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management activated its State Emergency Operations Center and the Maryland Joint Information Center.

The Maryland Department of Transportation activated the State Highway Administration Emergency Operations Center, with road crews deployed statewide. Maryland State Police are increasing staffing, adding 12 troopers to the overnight shift and more than 70 additional troopers for Monday’s day shift.

The Baltimore City Office of Emergency Management has also been activated to support the city’s storm response.

What Happens Next

The worst conditions are expected Sunday night into Monday morning, with the state continuing to monitor the situation overnight.

Residents with disabilities can reach the Maryland Department of Disabilities non-emergency hotline at 410-340-9263 beginning at 7 p.m. for referrals and support.