ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore today urged Marylanders to stay off roads and exercise caution in advance of a winter storm threat to Maryland from Tuesday, February 11 through Wednesday February 12. Marylanders are strongly encouraged to avoid travel, follow local forecasts, and stay prepared for winter storm hazards.

“This system has the ability to cause hazardous road conditions that will affect transportation throughout the State,” said Gov. Moore. “I am asking every Marylander to take this storm seriously, remain vigilant and cautious, avoid travel on roadways if possible, and yield to snowplows and salting trucks. If you must travel, be sure you have a winter emergency kit in your vehicle.”

The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for central, southern, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, with Winter Weather Advisories over the rest of the state. Snow is forecasted to begin late Tuesday morning in parts of central and southern Maryland, falling heaviest across the state between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Areas within the warning area could see snowfall totals of 4” - 8” with potential for 1” - 2” every hour. Detailed snow totals will be updated regularly at weather.gov/lwx/winter.

Another smaller system is expected to impact parts of Maryland Wednesday night into Thursday morning. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued by NWS for Garrett and western Allegany counties. Light to moderate mixed precipitation is anticipated across western and northern Maryland with rain further south and east. 

State and local government officials are coordinating resources in anticipation of the winter weather event. State and county emergency operations centers are expecting to upgrade their activation levels as the system moves into the region. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management has raised the State Activation Level (SAL) to ENHANCED?. The State Highway Administration and Maryland Transportation Authority have completed pretreating roads.

Staying Safe During Winter Storms

• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. 
• Watch for symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite - it can set in quickly, especially if you have exposed skin or have been outside in the cold for an extended period of time.
• If you're able, check on older neighbors or relatives who may live alone to see if they're doing well or need assistance.
• Please avoid travel if possible. 
• If you absolutely must travel, be sure to let someone know your route and destination before you go and have a winter emergency kit in your vehicle which should include:
• Snow shovel and ice scraper.
• Sand or kitty litter for traction in case your vehicle gets stuck. 
• Extra warm clothing, gloves, hats, and blankets.
• First aid kit and a flashlight with extra batteries.
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio for emergency updates. 
• Non-perishable snacks, bottled water, and any necessary medications.
• A fully charged portable phone charger, jumper cables, and basic tools like a wrench and screwdriver.
• Emergency flares or reflective triangles to increase visibility and signal for help if needed.

Preparing Your Home and Family for a Winter Storm

• Dress warmly with layers of clothing to conserve body heat when outdoors. 
• Prepare for power outages. Have flashlights with fresh batteries and warm, insulating blankets available.
• Check carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly.
• Information about assistance with energy bills is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

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?. To receive alerts, tips, and resources related to threats and hazards that may affect Maryland, text MdReady to 211-631 or text MdListo for Spanish.