Governor Wes Moore closes state offices and urges residents to avoid travel and stay safe.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — One day after announcing a “state of preparedness” for Maryland, Governor Wes Moore has pivoted to a “state of emergency” as a nor’easter bears down on the East Coast.
State officials are asking Marylanders to avoid travel, follow local forecasts, and stay prepared for winter hazards.
Moore announced that state offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 23.
“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,” Moore said.
As the rain that fell across the Old Line State turns to snow, roads will become increasingly difficult to traverse.
In addition, the nature of the wet, heavy snowfall is creating concerns about power outages.
According to a statement from the governor’s office, the “state of emergency” declaration initiates a number of measures:
- The Maryland Department of Emergency Management has activated the State Emergency Operations Center as well as the Maryland Joint Information Center. The department will coordinate with local governments, State agencies, and nongovernmental and federal partners to quickly and effectively respond to the needs of communities throughout the storm. State and county emergency operations centers have upgraded their activation levels across Maryland.
- The Maryland Department of Transportation has activated the State Highway Administration Emergency Operations Center. Crews are clearing roadways and Marylanders are encouraged to remove snow and ice from sidewalks to ensure a clear path for pedestrians and other non-motorists who must travel. Visit roads.maryland.gov to access live traffic cameras and real-time information about traffic incidents.
- The Maryland Transportation Authority will adjust service as the storm progresses. Local bus, light rail and Metro subway will continue to operate on regular Sunday schedules this evening. MARC will run full service on the Penn Line this evening; Camden and Brunswick lines do not operate on the weekend. Mobility/paratransit will handle calls as road conditions dictate, with medical procedure calls taking priority. BWI Marshall Airport is encouraging travelers to check with their airlines before heading to the airport. As of this morning, airlines have cancelled 176 flights.
- The Maryland State Police will increase staffing across the State, with 12 additional troopers assisting with patrol for the night shift. More than 70 extra troopers will assist tomorrow for the day shift.
- The Public Service Commission reports that electric utilities have implemented storm preparedness and restoration readiness measures, including activation of storm response protocols, pre-staging of restoration crews and equipment, enhanced system monitoring, and coordination with State and local emergency management agencies. Utilities have adjusted staffing levels to ensure adequate restoration capability and remain prepared to initiate restoration operations as conditions allow.
- The Maryland Department of Disabilities will monitor their non-emergency disability hotline beginning this evening at 7 p.m. The hotline provides referrals, support, and case management for people with disabilities and is not intended for emergencies that require 911 services. The hotline is available at 410-340-9263.