Baltimore braces for decade’s worst snowstorm as residents prepare for impact

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — As a massive winter storm approaches Baltimore, leaders are issuing stern warnings and residents are racing to prepare.

Shoppers are braving the cold to stock up on essentials, with some finding empty shelves after multiple trips to the market.

“I’ve got my water, bread,” one shopper said.

Another added, “This was day two of going to the market. I actually went to the market yesterday, but a lot of shelves were empty.”

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The storm is expected to bring several inches of snow followed by ice, potentially making it the most significant snowfall the city has seen in a decade.

“The bitter temperatures – that’s a bad combination of mixtures right there,” Charlie Gischlar with the State Highway Administration said during a live interview on FOX45 Saturday morning.

Crews equipped with about 2,300 pieces of equipment were deployed Saturday afternoon to plow and salt the roads, but Gischlar noted a challenge, “By the time they do a whole round – by the time they come back it’s going to be snow covered again.”

Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency, urging residents to “Please use common sense. Please use courtesy and grace in the days ahead. Please stay off the roads.”

Many residents plan to heed this advice, with one saying they are “just ready to hunker down” and another stating, “once it starts snowing we’re not going to drive.”

As the city braces for the storm, the sentiment remains hopeful: “wish for the best” and “stay safe Baltimore.”