Yes. Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Preparedness for Maryland ahead of Winter Storm Fern (January 25-27, 2026). This activates emergency resources statewide and authorizes the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to coordinate response efforts.

A State of Preparedness allows for pre-positioning of resources, National Guard activation if needed, and coordination between state and local emergency services. Residents should prepare now and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.

Read the official State of Preparedness declaration →

Snow totals vary by region. Current forecasts (as of January 24, 2026) project:

• Western Maryland (Garrett, Allegany): 8-14 inches
• Central Maryland (Montgomery, Howard, Baltimore): 6-10 inches
• Southern Maryland (Charles, St. Mary's, Calvert): 4-8 inches
• Eastern Shore: 3-6 inches, with higher amounts possible near the bay
• Washington, D.C.: 5-9 inches
• Northern Virginia: 5-9 inches

Note: Forecasts change frequently. Check the National Weather Service for the latest updates.

View NWS Baltimore/Washington forecast →

Maryland offers real-time snow plow tracking through the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA):

• Statewide Plow Tracker: roads.maryland.gov — Shows active plow locations on state roads
• MD 511: Call 511 or visit md511.maryland.gov for road conditions

County-specific trackers:

• Montgomery County: montgomerycountymd.gov/snow
• Prince George's County: princegeorgescountymd.gov/snow
• Baltimore City: publicworks.baltimorecity.gov

Priority roads are cleared first, followed by residential streets. Be patient—it can take 24-48 hours after snow stops for all roads to be treated.

Warming centers are activated during extreme cold and winter storms. To find open warming centers:

• Call 211: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone for the nearest warming center location
• Visit our Storm Hub: Select your county for local warming center information
• Check your county's emergency management website — Many counties update warming center lists in real-time

Common warming center locations include: Public libraries, community centers, senior centers, and recreation centers. Some police station lobbies also serve as emergency warming locations.

Find warming centers in your county →

Report power outages directly to your utility company:

• BGE (Baltimore Gas & Electric): 1-877-778-2222 or bge.com/outages
• Pepco (Montgomery & PG County): 1-877-737-2662 or pepco.com/outages
• Potomac Edison (Western MD): 1-888-544-7774
• SMECO (Southern MD): 1-888-253-9001
• Dominion Energy (Virginia): 1-866-DOM-HELP

⚠️ Safety First: If you see a downed power line, stay far away and call 911 immediately. Never touch or drive over downed lines.

You can also report outages through our form to help alert your neighbors.

Several programs help older adults and people with disabilities with snow removal:

• Montgomery County Snow Buddies: Call 311 to request assistance or register in advance
• Baltimore City Snow Removal for Seniors: Call 311
• Local churches and community organizations: Many organize volunteer snow removal during major storms
• Nextdoor app: Post a request—neighbors often volunteer to help
• Contact your county's Office on Aging: They can connect you with local resources

Important: If you're an older adult, do NOT shovel heavy snow yourself. Snow shoveling is a leading cause of heart attacks in older adults. Ask for help or wait for assistance.

Request snow removal assistance through our form →

School and government closures are announced by each jurisdiction. Here's where to check:

• Maryland: emergency.maryland.gov — State government status
• Federal Government (D.C.): OPM.gov/status
• Local TV stations: Check WBAL, WJZ, WUSA9, or FOX5 for closings crawls

Sign up for alerts: Most counties offer emergency text/email alerts. Search "[your county] emergency alerts" to register.

If your home loses heat during the storm:

1. Stay warm: Layer clothing, use extra blankets, and stay in one room with the door closed to conserve heat
2. Check your thermostat and pilot light — Sometimes the issue is simple
3. If temperature drops below 65°F indoors: Consider going to a warming center, especially for older adults, young children, and people with health conditions
4. Call 211 for warming center locations and emergency heating assistance
5. Maryland Energy Assistance: 1-800-332-6347 — Help with emergency heating bills

⚠️ NEVER use:

• A gas stove or oven for heat
• A generator indoors or in a garage
• A charcoal or propane grill inside

These create deadly carbon monoxide. Use only approved heating sources.