MARYLAND (WBFF) — Baltimore city and county officials are gearing up for a significant winter storm expected to hit the area, with forecasts predicting up to 12 inches of snow, sleet and freezing rain this weekend.
Mayor Brandon Scott announced that the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated at 5 p.m. Saturday, while road crews are already pretreating roadways ahead of the storm.
“This will be a significant storm…that does not mean panic,” the mayor said.
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Residents are expressing concern over potential power outages and hazardous driving conditions.
“I’m nervous, I’m a little worried we’re going to lose power…but I’m optimistic we won’t,” Marlena Bauer said at a gas station in north Baltimore.
Motorist James Stewart shared his plan to avoid the roads altogether, saying, “I’m not even driving in it. I’ll stay home, put my truck in the back yard.”
Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier emphasized that “all hands are on deck” and urged residents to stock up on essentials like batteries, flashlights, warm clothes and blankets.
“Be sure to charge all of your devices. And of course, stock up on the old adage, toilet paper…everybody has to do that,” she advised.
Mayor Scott highlighted the city’s preparations, including pretreatment of roads and coordination with state and federal partners for additional resources like Humvees (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles) from the Maryland National Guard. He urged residents to stay indoors once the storm hits.
“Stay inside. Once the storm hits, do not drive. And if you’re at home and wondering who I’m talking to, I’m talking about you, everybody,” he said.
Unless you absolutely have to be out in the storm, don’t.”
Baltimore City Police Commissioner Richard Worley noted that staffing and deployment will be adjusted, with officers focusing on emergencies such as crashes with injuries, life-threatening situations or crimes in progress. Residents are reminded to call 911 only for true emergencies.
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