ANNAPOLIS, MD - The National Weather Service has forecast the arrival of a winter storm, including significant snowfall, extreme cold, and the potential for icy conditions over the weekend. The storm is expected to move in late Saturday evening with a low around 14°F. The chance for precipitation on Sunday is forecast at 90 percent with a potential for significant accumulations (up to 8 inches or more). The Sunday high temperature is forecast at 23°F. By late Sunday, the storm is expected to merge with a coastal low, bringing a mix of ice/sleet to the area before ending in the early morning hours on Monday.
Residents should prepare now to have essential supplies on hand as the storm may disrupt travel on local roadways for several days.
PHASE TWO SNOW EMERGENCY: The City will declare a Phase Two Snow Emergency as of 8 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 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) will begin preparations for this storm on Saturday by deploying plow crews who will pre-treat all City roads. Once snowfall begins, DPW crews will move to plow and salt/brine operations, working in 12-hour shifts. If possible, residents should avoid travel during the storm to allow crews time to do their work. As a safety precaution, do not tailgate or follow too close behind a snowplow because these vehicles are usually spreading deicing materials from the back of the truck. Do not pass a snowplow because 1). visibility for passing may be limited, and 2). snowplows are especially wide, extending several feet on either side, causing the plow (but not the truck) to sometimes cross the center line. If you must travel, please slow down and exercise caution in potentially icy conditions. Black ice can be especially dangerous because it is nearly invisible to drivers, especially on bridges and overpasses where cold air is able to cool the road surface from above and below.
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).
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.
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. Available at www.annapolis.gov/snowpaths, the interactive, mobile-friendly map shows when roads were last serviced and highlights priority routes, helping residents, businesses, and visitors travel more safely during snow and ice events.
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.
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.
EOC ACTIVATION: The Emergency Operations Center is at an “enhanced” level as staff monitors weather conditions. The Annapolis Call Center will be operational throughout this event for non-emergency questions related to the winter storm and City Services. Annapolis residents can call 410-260-2211. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.
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: Prepare Me Annapolis Mobile App – This free app from OEM provides real-time alerts and information for Annapolitans to be prepared in any type of emergency. Prepare Me Annapolis is available, free of charge, on both the Apple Store and Google Play.
Visit the City on social media at: www.Facebook.com/CityofAnnapolis and www.instagram.com/cityofannapolismd.
