Maryland governor declares State of Preparedness ahead of another heavy snow

Gov. Wes Moore declared a State of Preparedness on Saturday ahead of a winter weather system expected to bring heavy snow, hazardous travel conditions, and possible power outages across Maryland beginning Sunday afternoon.

What’s Happening: The winter storm is expected to hit Maryland starting Sunday afternoon to evening, with the worst conditions Sunday night into Monday morning. Accumulating snow, strong winds, and a hard freeze Monday night into Tuesday morning could disrupt travel and cause scattered power outages.

What’s Important: A State of Preparedness directs the Maryland Department of Emergency Management to coordinate readiness efforts across state agencies before escalating response. Multiple state agencies including emergency management, transportation, law enforcement, and public health are preparing for the storm.

Storm Timeline: Snow is expected to begin Sunday afternoon to evening, with the heaviest snowfall Sunday night into Monday morning. Heavy wet snow combined with strong winds may cause isolated or scattered power outages Monday. A hard freeze is expected Monday night into Tuesday morning.

Travel Impact: Most residents can expect delays and hazardous driving conditions at minimum. Impacts could worsen depending on the storm’s exact track and snowfall rates. The state is warning residents to avoid travel if possible and to adjust plans as conditions change.

What Residents Should Do:

• Check weather updates regularly from official sources
• Have an emergency kit and family emergency plan ready
• Keep devices charged in case of power outages
• Know utility company emergency phone numbers at mdem.maryland.gov
• Use generators only outdoors, at least 20 feet from the home
• Follow Maryland Department of Emergency Management and National Weather Service social media for updates

Detailed snow and ice totals will be updated regularly on the National Weather Service website at weather.gov/lwx. Residents can receive alerts by texting MdReady to 211-631 or MdListo for Spanish. Power outages can be monitored through the MdReady app at MdReady.maryland.gov.