BALTIMORE, MD — Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Baltimore City Department of Transportation Director Steve Sharkey, Baltimore City Department of Public Works’ Acting Director Matt Garbark, Baltimore City Department of General Services Director Chichi Nyagah-Nash, Baltimore City Police Commissioner Michael S. Harrison and the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management announced that the City of Baltimore is fully prepared for the first winter storm of the season that is forecast to begin on Wednesday.  Accumulating snow is expected in this region by Thursday morning, and residents are encouraged to plan ahead for the storm.

“2020 has been challenging in many ways, but this has not hindered our snow preparations for the winter season. Under the leadership of Transportation Director Steve Sharkey, we have thoroughly examined our snow operations to ensure that we are fully prepared for the coming storm,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “But it’s not just our snow team that needs to prepare — we need our residents and motorists to be prepared so that we can successfully clear our streets.”

The Baltimore City Snow Team has been readying snow equipment and will pre-treat city gateways and primary roadways with salt brine today.  Snow crews will activate on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 and will closely monitor weather and roadway conditions. 

“The Department of Transportation is fully prepared for the first snow storm of the season to restore city roadways quickly and safely,” said Director Sharkey.  “During the storm, we encourage residents to refrain from driving unless absolutely necessary.  This will help our snow team to treat city streets safely and more efficiently, because vehicles that become disabled obstruct the movement of snow plows and hinder removal efforts.”

Residents are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and be prepared if traveling during the storm.  Winter precipitation can cause roadways to become slick, especially on bridges, ramps and overpasses.  Motorists should drive at reduced speeds, plan additional travel time and allow extra following distance for everyone’s safety.  During the storm, motorists are reminded not to “crowd the plow” by staying behind working snow vehicles and allowing them plenty of space to operate. 

Residents who must travel during inclement weather should be prepared by learning the three phases of the city’s Snow Emergency Plan.  Motorists should “Know Before You Go – Especially in Ice and Snow” by checking to see if any phases of the snow emergency plan are in effect, as parking may be affected along designated snow emergency routes.  Citizens should tune into local news stations, check media resources and visit the city’s snow page at snow.baltimorecity.gov for updated information during the winter season.

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