Maryland Declares State of Emergency as Winter Storm Approaches

Heavy snow and blizzard conditions expected to hit the state overnight

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Democratic Governor Wes Moore of Maryland declared a State of Emergency on Sunday as a powerful nor'easter moved up the East Coast, bringing increasingly heavy snowfall to Maryland with blizzard conditions threatening the Eastern Shore overnight. Snow began falling in earnest across the Baltimore area by 4 p.m. Sunday, with accumulation expected to ramp up significantly after sunset as temperatures drop and the storm system strengthens.

Why it matters

The emergency declaration unlocks state resources and activates a coordinated response across multiple agencies at a moment when conditions are rapidly worsening. Blizzard conditions - defined as three consecutive hours of snow or blowing snow reducing visibility to a quarter mile or less, with winds or gusts of at least 35 mph - set a high bar, but forecasters warn parts of the Eastern Shore could meet that threshold overnight, making roads not just dangerous but potentially impassable through Monday morning.

The details

As of the 7 p.m. report from BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, this is now the snowiest winter in the Baltimore area since 2018-19, when 18.3 inches were recorded. Maryland State Police have activated Snow Emergency Plans in 11 counties, and several jurisdictions have announced modified operations for Monday, including Baltimore City and Anne Arundel and Baltimore counties shifting to virtual learning, and Cecil and Harford counties fully closing.

  • Snow began falling in earnest across the Baltimore area by 4 p.m. Sunday.
  • As of the 7 p.m. report from BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, this is now the snowiest winter in the Baltimore area since 2018-19, when 18.3 inches were recorded.

The players

Wes Moore

Democratic Governor of Maryland who declared a State of Emergency.

Tom Tasselmyer

WBAL Chief Meteorologist who said bands of moderate to heavy snow are passing through Baltimore overnight.

Brandon M. Scott

Baltimore Mayor who shared a winter preparedness video.

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What they’re saying

“The safety of Marylanders comes first and this storm has the potential to produce life-threatening conditions across large parts of the state. Stay off the roads, check on your neighbors, and listen to local authorities. Please be vigilant and take this storm seriously to protect yourself and your loved ones.”

— Wes Moore, Maryland Governor

“While precipitation has changed to snow across the area this evening, there are two bands of heavier snow rates across the greater Washington area and northeastern Maryland. Plan for snow covered roads and reduced visibility if you must travel.”

— National Weather Service Baltimore - Washington (X)

“Baltimore, I know that you have heard, we are expecting more snow. But know that our snow crews are ready. I have our @BmoreCityDOT Deputy Director here to share how we are getting prepared.”

— Brandon M. Scott, Baltimore Mayor (X)

What’s next

The worst conditions are expected Sunday night into Monday morning, with the state continuing to monitor the situation overnight. Residents with disabilities can reach the Maryland Department of Disabilities non-emergency hotline at 410-340-9263 beginning at 7 p.m. for referrals and support.

The takeaway

This winter storm has the potential to produce life-threatening conditions across Maryland, underscoring the importance of heeding local authorities' warnings, staying off the roads, and checking on vulnerable neighbors as the state mobilizes its emergency response.