Several Maryland schools closed Monday due to winter storm

BALTIMORE -- Baltimore City and Baltimore County schools are among the districts across Maryland that are closed Monday due to a winter storm that could dump several inches of snow across the region.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for all of Maryland, and widespread snowfall of 4 to 8 inches is expected. In some areas, 10 to 12 inches of snow is possible, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). This will depend on where heavier bands of snowfall set up and move through.  

The following schools are closed Monday, Jan. 6:

• Anne Arundel County Public Schools
• Baltimore City Public Schools
• Baltimore County Public Schools
• Bowie State University
• Carroll County Public Schools
• Carroll Community College
• Cecil County Public Schools
• Cecil Community College
• Charles County Public Schools
• Community College of Baltimore County
• Dorchester County Public Schools
• Frederick County Public Schools
• Frostburg State University
• Garrett County Public Schools
• Garrison Forest School
• Glenelg Country School
• Harford County Public Schools
• Howard County Public Schools
• Johns Hopkins University
• Loyola Blakefield
• Loyola University Maryland
• Maryland School for the Deaf
• McDonogh School      
• Montgomery County Public Schools
• Morgan State University
• Prince George's County Public Schools
• Salisbury University
• Towson University
• University of Maryland, Baltimore County
• Wicomico County Public Schools

WJZ will continue to update the list of school closings as they are reported. Find a full list of closures HERE.

Stay updated on the forecast with WJZ's First Alert Weather team.   

State of emergency

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency due to the threat of the winter storm expected to impact the state through Tuesday, Jan. 7.

All Maryland public offices are also closed, according to the Department of General Services.

The storm is expected to bring snow, ice and freezing temperatures, impacting road conditions and public transportation. Significant snowfall is expected throughout the state.

According to WJZ's First Alert meteorologists, some areas in Maryland could see up to 12 inches of snow.

"Keeping Marylanders safe is our top priority. Please stay off the roads during this storm. Prepare your home and family and charge your communications devices in case you lose power," Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said. "I signed an executive order declaring a State of Emergency and have directed the Maryland Department of Emergency Management to coordinate response with the Maryland Department of Transportation, State Police, and all State agencies. The State of Maryland will also be closed on Monday, January 6. Please—limit travel, listen to local weather updates and stay safe." 

Code Blue for Baltimore City

The Baltimore City Health Commissioner issued a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert through Tuesday, Jan. 7, with Maryland under a Winter Storm Warning.  

The alert was issued due to wind chills projected to dip into the teens during the overnight hours, along with widespread snowfall of 4 to 8 inches.

"Extreme cold can be life-threatening, especially for vulnerable populations such as older adults, young children, and individuals experiencing homelessness," said Interim Health Commissioner Mary Beth Haller. "We urge all residents to take precautions to remain warm and as safe as possible during this period."  

Warming shelters

A list of the city's warming centers is available on the Mayor's Office of Homeless Services website. You can also find a list of warming shelters in Baltimore County and here in Anne Arundel County. 

Counties get ready for snow

Maryland counties are working in overdrive to keep the roads clear, open warming centers and enhance neighborhood safety.

Baltimore County officials said crews have been pretreating roads since Saturday in anticipation of the first major snow event of the winter season.

"Baltimore County is fully prepared to meet this challenge," Acting Baltimore County Executive D'Andrea Walker said. "These conditions make the job for our crews much more difficult and time intensive."

As old man winter drops snow and brings arctic air to Maryland, the county said it is prepared for the storm and cold week ahead.

Several inches of snow are expected to fall in most of the state, and some areas are bracing for nearly a foot. Plow crews in Baltimore County have been pretreating 8,800 roads - nearly 600 miles - since Saturday so they don't ice over. 

Officials are urging residents to stay home, but if you need to go out, don't crowd the plows.

"Slow down and stay a great distance behind our trucks," Walker said. "As you know, the trucks are throwing salt in the whole nine so we want you to be safe."

It will take roughly 24 hours or more for plows to get a first pass in every neighborhood, officials told WJZ.

The Baltimore County Emergency Operations Center opens late Sunday night as the snow begins to fall. Warming shelters will be open all week long.

"Baltimore County freezing weather shelters are open," said David Bycoffe, the Director of the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for Baltimore County. "Now they will remain open throughout this cold period."

Baltimore County leaders recommend having emergency kits prepared for your home and car and making sure electronics are charged. 

At the Target in Pikesville, shoppers were stocking up before the storm – buying the essentials and non-perishable foods.

Most people said they plan to stay home and off the roads.

"I like it," Baltimore resident Wendy Feldman said. "I haven't been downtown when it's snowed yet so it should be fun."

"Not leaving my house. I'm going to stay home tomorrow. I work in Columbia, so it's way too far and I'm not risking it," said Baltimore County resident Ella Lipira.

If you want to track when the plows are coming to your neighborhood, you can do so on the Baltimore County website. 

Road conditions in Baltimore

Maryland officials are urging drivers to stay off the roads, as crews work to clear snow. 

With snow expected to dump across Maryland, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is out making the roadways safer. 

"It is standard procedure, whether we have one inch or whether we have 15 inches," said Charlie Gischlar, a spokesperson for the Maryland State Highway Administration. "You know, every one of our drivers, our crews, our operators, they have a specific route that takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete."

Gischlar continued, "We stalk the shelves pretty much between storms when we can, you know, we get more salt to keep our supplies at maximum levels, and we do make our own salt brine, so we keep ahead of the game there." 

Winter Storm Highway Safety Tips 

The Statewide Transportation Operations Resource Map  (STORM)  identifies where State Highway Administration and contractual equipment are and where they have been, as well as real-time weather information.    

• For motorists that must travel, the State Highway Administration also offers the following guidelines for winter driving:    
• Slow down. Posted speed limits are for ideal (dry) weather conditions.     
• Use extra caution on elevated surfaces, such as bridges, overpasses, and ramps as they are the first to freeze.    
• Don't crowd the plow. Stay behind and leave plenty of space between your vehicle and State Highway Administration equipment.     

"If you could use a telework day or work from home, do that, but if you do have to go out, we recommend that you make sure your vehicle is winter-ready," Gischlar explained. "You have decent tires. All the fluids are good. All the lighting systems are good."

Highway users are also encouraged to stay indoors or work from home. If this is not possible, state road officials urge drivers to plan. 

"If you do get in trouble on the side of the road, dial #77.  That'll get to the nearest state police barracks and they'll get a hold of us,"  Gischlar said. "And also never get out of your vehicle if you should break down, you know, put your height, your hazard lights on, get as far over to the shoulder as you can."

You can visit roads.maryland.gov for additional information regarding winter weather.

Governor declares State of Preparedness ahead of winter storm

Maryland Gov.  Wes Moore declared a State of Preparedness in advance of the elevated winter storm threat to Maryland

The storm will likely affect roads and transportation centers and could cause significant snow accumulation in some parts of the state. Marylanders are cautioned to avoid travel if possible, to follow local forecasts, and to stay prepared for winter storm hazards.  

According to the governor's office, here is how to prepare your home and family for a winter storm

• Include blankets, hats, mittens, and other warm clothing in your preparedness kit during winter months.
• Bring pets inside if possible, or create a safe space for outdoor animal companions to keep warm, safe from the elements, and able to find food.
• Winterize your vehicle and keep your gas tank at least half full to keep ice from building up in your gas tank and fuel lines.
• Take precautions to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep a supply of driveway salt or non-clumping kitty litter ready to go. You can spread either on outdoor surfaces to combat ice and make them less slippery.
• Check your home's smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they work and have good batteries. 
• Check for updates from the National Weather Service, and sign up for MdReady text alerts to receive news about storms, watches, and warnings.

Do you want to play in the snow?

Health officials say it is important to be ready for any winter storm.

"Avoidance is best," said Dr. Vanessa Redd, the Chief of Emergency Medicine at the University of Maryland St. Joesph Medical Center. "So, if you can kind of hunker down and stay indoors where it's warm, that's your safest bet."

Dr. Redd said that if you want to play in the snow, do it for short periods and wear extra layers of clothing. She also warns that your fingers, toes, nose, and ears are at risk of frostbite.

"Folks would potentially feel sensory changes, numbness or tingling and then notice maybe some skin changes," Dr. Redd said. "The first thing would be to get to somewhere warm...remove any wet clothing." 

Cold safety tips

• The Baltimore Health Department has issued the following cold weather tips: 
• Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing.  
• Always wear a head covering, like a hat and/or scarf, when outdoors.  
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcoholic beverages.  
• Protect yourself against falls in icy or snowy conditions by walking slowly and avoiding steps or curbs with ice on them.  
• Check on those who are most vulnerable, including infants and children, older adults and/or chronically ill.  
• If your pet is outdoors, they must be protected by a well-constructed, raised shelter that is dry and draft-free. Sufficient bedding and a door flap must be in place to maintain body heat. Fresh, unfrozen, drinkable water must be provided at all times.    

More winter safety tips: 

Keep space heaters and candles away from flammable materials, such as curtains, furniture, and loose clothing.  

• Check your carbon monoxide detector and make sure it's working.  
• Do not use prohibited heat or power sources inside your home, such as stoves or generators. They may cause fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.  
• Do not leave your car running in a closed space like a garage. 

Do you have snow photos? Email them to newsroom@wjz.com for a chance to be featured.