Mayor Scott Ends Baltimore State of Emergency for Winter Weather

“BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, February 10, 2026) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott ended the State of Emergency Declaration issued on Friday, January 23, 2026, ahead of severe winter weather conditions that impacted Baltimore City.”

The rescission announced Tuesday ends the special operating posture the city had used to keep crews working around the clock after a major snow and ice event in late January. Phase I of Baltimore’s Snow Emergency Plan is no longer in effect, the city said, shifting the response from emergency operations to recovery and routine maintenance.

The January storm left more than 8 inches of snow in Baltimore and deposited over 11 inches at BWI-Marshall Airport. In the days after the storm, city crews and partners contended with dense, rock-like ice that made clearing streets, sidewalks, and alleys unusually difficult. Fox Baltimore reported that city operations continued overnight under the emergency declaration so crews could “maintain round-the-clock operations to remove heavy ice from streets, sidewalks, and alleys.” The Baltimore City Health Department also extended a Cold Blue declaration into early February to provide additional shelter and services for vulnerable residents as temperatures fell; forecasters noted overnight lows near 14°F and wind chills close to zero during the advisory period.

Public works crews focused on reopening critical pathways and restoring services. The Department of Public Works launched a citywide alley-clearing operation using contracted private crews with bobcats and front-end loaders, organized into four quadrants and running daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until alleys were passable. Cleared alleys were treated with salt to prevent refreezing, a step intended to support resumption of trash and recycling collection once conditions allowed.

The state also moved early to secure federal support: President Donald Trump approved federal emergency disaster declarations for Maryland and other states on January 26 after Gov. Wes Moore requested them. Maryland Department of Emergency Management’s Director of Disaster Risk and Reduction Sara Bender outlined the kinds of federal help that can be made available: “Things like that could include emergency evacuations, traffic control, emergency power support, generators for critical facilities… clearance of debris so that emergency vehicles can get to where they need to go.” Bender added that the state had not yet asked for federal assistance but was not ruling it out as below-freezing temperatures persisted during the week following the storm.

For residents with ongoing winter-weather concerns, Baltimore City advised using 3-1-1 within the city, calling (443) 263-2220 from outside the city, or accessing the BALT311 app or the 311 web page to report snow- or ice-related issues. City Hall information listed City Operator (410) 396-3100 and hours of operation Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Ending the formal emergency marks a move toward restoring normal municipal services, but alley and sidewalk treatments, collection schedules, and sheltering operations may continue to be adjusted as crews finish cleanup. Residents should report hazards through 311 and watch for city notices about trash and recycling resumption as Baltimore transitions from emergency response to recovery.