Governor Moore Declares State of Emergency, Liberal Leave in Effect for Maryland State Government Ahead of Winter Storm

Governor Wes Moore this afternoon declared a State of Emergency as the threat of a powerful winter storm will impact Maryland beginning this evening through Monday, February 23. Travel tonight and 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 safety of Marylanders comes first and this storm has the potential to produce life-threatening conditions across large parts of the state,” said Gov. Moore. “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 from now 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.

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

State Actions

• 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 encouraged 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 this morning, airlines have 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 tomorrow 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 Comes First

• 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. 
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. 
• 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.