Anne Arundel County Residents Stuck in Neighborhoods After Snowstorm

Residents say they're still trapped 5 days after heavy snow and ice hit the area.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:15pm

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Five days after a major snowstorm hit the Baltimore area, some Anne Arundel County residents say they are still stuck in their neighborhoods due to uncleared snow and ice. Residents have been working to shovel and break through the thick, icy conditions, but are calling for county snowplows to come through and clear the roads. The county's road operations chief says crews have been working around the clock but have faced significant challenges, including equipment damage from the harsh conditions.

Why it matters

The prolonged inability of residents to leave their neighborhoods after a major winter storm highlights the importance of effective snow removal operations by local governments to maintain public safety and mobility. This incident raises questions about the county's preparedness and response capabilities for severe winter weather events.

The details

Residents in Severn and Crofton neighborhoods reported being stuck in their areas for days, with vehicles getting stuck in the thick, icy snow. County road crews have been working non-stop to clear the roads, but have faced equipment damage and challenges from the unexpected intensity of the storm, which dumped 11 inches of snow followed by 3-5 inches of sleet that froze into a concrete-like surface. The county has brought in additional equipment from the airport to aid in the snow removal efforts.

  • The snowstorm hit the Baltimore area on January 26, 2026.
  • As of January 31, 2026, some Anne Arundel County residents were still stuck in their neighborhoods, five days after the storm.

The players

Sue Pugliese

A resident of Severn, Maryland who was out shoveling and breaking ice on her driveway.

Brenda and Henry Persons

Residents of Severn, Maryland who were also working to clear snow and ice from their neighborhood.

Jim Small

The Anne Arundel County Road Operations Chief, who described the significant challenges his crews have faced in clearing the roads after the intense winter storm.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a little rough, a little stressful trying to get out. It's a little frustrating. Sometimes, you have to help yourself. It is what is. I'm trying to make the best of it; we all are.”

— Sue Pugliese

“We call it 'snow-crete' because you need a steel shovel to break through it and then lift it. It's like concrete.”

— Brenda Persons

“The lady delivering mail, she got stuck right here. It took three of us to dig her out.”

— Henry Persons

“Usually, our street is pretty good after a snowstorm. This time is the exception.”

— Brenda Persons

“It's been absolutely horrible. My crews have been working day and night, around the clock, fighting this fight that Mother Nature dropped on us.”

— Jim Small, Anne Arundel County Road Operations Chief

What’s next

The county says it is looking into issues with its online snow map that showed some streets as cleared when they were not. Officials have also brought in additional equipment from the airport to aid in snow removal efforts.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges local governments face in effectively clearing roads and restoring mobility after severe winter storms, and the importance of having robust emergency preparedness and response plans in place to support residents during such events.