Additional precipitation expected in the Baltimore region; Residents urged to avoid driving during storm

Mayor Brandon M. Scott along with The Baltimore City Department of Transportation Director Steve Sharkey encourage citizens to plan ahead for continued inclement weather that is affecting the Baltimore region.  Mixtures of snow, rain and ice are expected throughout the night, which will impact driving conditions and affect commute times on Monday morning.

The Baltimore City Snow Team has been closely monitoring weather and roadway conditions since activation at 4:00 a.m. this morning. Crews have been treating city streets since the storm began, and will continue operations overnight in preparation for the Monday morning commute.

“We have spent the day plowing and treating all city roads and have taken proactive steps to improve our operations each hour,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Our snow crews will continue to deliver prompt and efficient service until the end of this snowstorm. I am asking residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary and be extremely mindful of freezing temperatures tonight and during the morning commute.”

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and be prepared for the Monday morning commute, as mixed precipitation may cause hazardous driving conditions.  Roadways may become slick, especially on bridges, ramps and overpasses, and along infrequently traveled roadways.  Motorists who must travel are strongly advised to allow additional commute time, drive at reduced speeds and increase stopping distance for everyone’s safety.  Drivers are also reminded not to pass working snow plows and to allow plenty of following distance so that plow drivers have plenty of room to maneuver.

“With the possibility of additional accumulation and freezing precipitation overnight, we advise motorists to drive with extreme caution during the morning commute and to delay their travels if possible,” said Director Sharkey. “Driving conditions can deteriorate rapidly, and staying off the roadways will help our snow team to treat city streets more efficiently, because vehicles that become disabled obstruct the movement of snow plows and hinder our removal efforts.”

COVID-19 Testing Sites

Testing sites will make every attempt to remain open, but may need to close due to adverse weather conditions. The Baltimore City Health Department’s testing site at the Zeta Center will be CLOSED on Tuesday, February 2 due to inclement weather. For status updates please visit coronavirus.baltimorecity.gov/testing or follow the Baltimore City Health Department’s social media accounts for updates before coming to a testing site.

Winter Shelters

In addition to the city’s snow operations, a winter shelter declaration has been issued in Baltimore City which will remain in effect until 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3rd.  Residents in need of shelter should call 443-984-9540 or dial 211.  The transportation schedule, along with additional details can be found on the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services website at: Winter Shelter | Mayor's Office of Homeless Services (baltimorecity.gov).

Recreation Center Meal Sites

All meal sites will be closed Monday, February 1, 2021. For more information please visit https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/recreationcenters.

Baltimore City Government Liberal Leave

Effective Monday, February 1, 2021, liberal leave is in effect for non-essential employees and employees who are teleworking.  Employees must follow departmental call-in procedures. 

For updated weather forecasts and traffic conditions, residents should tune into local news stations. For more information about Baltimore’s snow operations and City closures residents are encouraged to visit the city’s snow website at snow.baltimorecity.gov.

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