Annapolis Prepares for Winter Storm Set to Arrive Early Sunday

 

A significant winter storm is expected to impact the region this weekend, with the National Weather Service issuing a Winter Storm Warning from late Saturday night through early Monday morning for heavy mixed precipitation. 

Forecasts call for 6 to 12 inches of snow and sleet in Annapolis, with the potential for additional ice accumulations, though totals may vary depending on storm development. Snow is expected to begin late Saturday night, becoming heavier Sunday morning before transitioning to a mix of sleet and freezing rain later in the day, with surface temperatures remaining below freezing throughout. Frigid conditions will follow the storm, with below-freezing daytime highs and overnight lows near or below 10°F early next week.

PHASE TWO SNOW EMERGENCY: At 8 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, the City will declare a Phase Two Snow Emergency, requiring vehicles to be moved off Snow Emergency Routes for the duration of the event. As of 4 p.m. on Saturday, the City will open the four City-owned garages (Park Place, Knighton, Gotts, and Mills Hillman) for residents to park for free. Because parked cars are one of the biggest challenges for snow crews, vehicles that remain on Snow Emergency Routes after 10 p.m. on Saturday may be towed at the expense of the vehicle owner. To find a listing of snow emergency routes, visit: https://www.annapolis.gov/730/Snow-Information. 


PUBLIC WORKS: The Annapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) has already begun preparations for this storm. With 1,000 tons of salt on hand and 11,000 gallons of brine, the City will begin pretreatment of roadways on Saturday. Once snowfall begins, DPW crews will move to plow and salt/brine operations, working in 12-hour shifts. Residents should avoid travel during the storm to allow crews time to do their work. 


POTENTIAL FOR POWER OUTAGES: Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) has informed City officials that they are prepared to handle potential outages due to icy conditions from the storm. Residents are reminded to stay well clear of downed trees and wires and report outages by calling 877-778-2222, texting OUT to MYBGE (69243), or visiting the BGE “Report an Outage” portal online. 


ANNAPOLIS CALL CENTER & EOC ACTIVATION: The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is at an “enhanced” level as staff monitors weather conditions. The Annapolis Call Center will be operational throughout this event for non-emergency storm-related questions. Annapolis residents can call 410-260-2211. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.


REPORT A PROBLEM: Winter storms can take a toll on City infrastructure, sometimes resulting in potholes, water main breaks, and downed trees that block roads or sidewalks. Residents are encouraged to report these issues through the City’s Anna311 service request portal, which allows users to submit concerns and track their status in real time. Visit the online portal: https://cityofannapolismd.tylerportico.com/TIM/Portal/portal-home.


ANNAPOLIS TRANSIT: Transit operations for Sunday, including paratransit, the downtown Magenta Shuttle, and Go Time on-demand service, are currently expected to operate on a normal schedule. Annapolis Transportation will evaluate conditions at 5 a.m. on Sunday. Any schedule changes will be announced on the City website. 


WARMING CENTER: Now through at least next Tuesday morning, the City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has activated the overnight warming center at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center (273 Hilltop Lane, Annapolis). The warming center is a temporary emergency warming center of last resort (not an emergency shelter). If there is a need for general or long-term sheltering assistance, please contact the Crisis Response System Warmline at 410-768-5522.


SNOWPATHS: The City of Annapolis uses SnowPaths, an online tool that provides real-time GPS tracking of snow plowing and road salting operations during winter storms. Once snowfall begins, the portal will be available at https://www.annapolis.gov/2217/SnowPaths.


HARBORMASTER: Boat owners are encouraged to regularly check on their vessels during this weather event, using caution at all times. Docks may be slippery, and strong winds could create hazardous conditions; wearing a life jacket and checking vessels with a buddy is strongly recommended. Anchored boats should move to a mooring ball where possible, and boat owners are responsible for any damage caused by vessels that drag anchor. As conditions deteriorate, boat owners and marinas should also consider turning off electricity to docks for safety.


CLEAR SIDEWALKS: Annapolis City Code requires property owners to clear adjacent public sidewalks (including sidewalks in the side and rear of properties) of snow and ice within three hours after snow or sleet has stopped falling (or by 11 a.m. following an overnight snow event). In 2025, the Annapolis City Council passed an ordinance that increases the fine for noncompliance to $100 per day. Please assist neighbors who may otherwise be unable to clear sidewalks (also, never use fertilizer to melt snow and ice since the nitrogen and phosphorus in fertilizer can harm local streams, groundwater, and the Chesapeake Bay).


SNOW INFORMATION: For information on Annapolis’ general policies for snow, plowing, and declarations of snow emergencies, visit the Snow Information page on the City’s website.


BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR: Please check in on elderly and vulnerable neighbors; if snow or ice accumulates, be sure to shovel your sidewalk and clear fire hydrants. 


STAY INFORMED:

 



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