MDEM Newsroom - MDEM Newsroom
Blizzard warning is in effect until 3 pm Monday 2/17 EST in Garrett Co.
February 16th, 2025Travel conditions will be treacherous and potentially life-threatening. More info: bit.ly/md-alerts
Governor Moore Urges Marylanders to Stay off Roads, and Exercise Caution Ahead of Incoming Winter Storms
February 11th, 2025ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today urged Marylanders to stay off roads and exercise caution in advance of a winter storm threat to Maryland from Tuesday, February 11 through Wednesday February 12. Marylanders are strongly encouraged to avoid travel, follow local forecasts, and stay prepared for winter storm hazards.
“This system has the ability to cause hazardous road conditions that will affect transportation throughout the State,” said Gov. Moore. “I am asking every Marylander to take this storm seriously, remain vigilant and cautious, avoid travel on roadways if possible, and yield to snowplows and salting trucks. If you must travel, be sure you have a winter emergency kit in your vehicle.”
The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for central, southern, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, with Winter Weather Advisories over the rest of the state. Snow is forecasted to begin late Tuesday morning in parts of central and southern Maryland, falling heaviest across the state between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Areas within the warning area could see snowfall totals of 4” – 8” with potential for 1” – 2” every hour. Detailed snow totals will be updated regularly at weather.gov/lwx/winter.
Another smaller system is expected to impact parts of Maryland Wednesday night into Thursday morning. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued by NWS for Garrett and western Allegany counties. Light to moderate mixed precipitation is anticipated across western and northern Maryland with rain further south and east.
State and local government officials are coordinating resources in anticipation of the winter weather event. State and county emergency operations centers are expecting to upgrade their activation levels as the system moves into the region. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management has raised the State Activation Level (SAL) to ENHANCED. The State Highway Administration and Maryland Transportation Authority have completed pretreating roads.
Staying Safe During Winter Storms
- Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
- Watch for symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite – it can set in quickly, especially if you have exposed skin or have been outside in the cold for an extended period of time.
- If you’re able, check on older neighbors or relatives who may live alone to see if they’re doing well or need assistance.
- Please avoid travel if possible.
- If you absolutely must travel, be sure to let someone know your route and destination before you go and have a winter emergency kit in your vehicle which should include:
- Snow shovel and ice scraper.
- Sand or kitty litter for traction in case your vehicle gets stuck.
- Extra warm clothing, gloves, hats, and blankets.
- First aid kit and a flashlight with extra batteries.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio for emergency updates.
- Non-perishable snacks, bottled water, and any necessary medications.
- A fully charged portable phone charger, jumper cables, and basic tools like a wrench and screwdriver.
- Emergency flares or reflective triangles to increase visibility and signal for help if needed.
Preparing Your Home and Family for a Winter Storm
- Dress warmly with layers of clothing to conserve body heat when outdoors.
- Prepare for power outages. Have flashlights with fresh batteries and warm, insulating blankets available.
- Check carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly.
Information about assistance with energy bills is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Generator Safety
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.
- Learn more about safe generator use from the American Red Cross.
For more information on preparedness, visit mdem.maryland.gov, follow MDEM on X at @MDMEMA, or follow MDEM’s Facebook page at facebook.com/MDMEMA. To receive alerts, tips, and resources related to threats and hazards that may affect Maryland, text MdReady to 211-631 or text MdListo for Spanish.
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Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories Are In Effect Across Maryland
February 11th, 2025
Expected Impacts:
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Travel could be very difficult.
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The hazardous conditions will impact travel and you should expect sudden changes in visibility.
Actions to Take
- Persons should delay all travel if possible.
- If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and have a have a winter survival kit in your vehicle.
- If you get stranded, stay in your vehicle.
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Call 511 to obtain the latest road conditions.
- Stay alert, check the latest weather forecast, and have several ways of receiving emergency alerts.
Winter Weather Advisories for Most of Maryland 2/5/2025
February 5th, 2025Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect tonight from 9 pm until Thursday 10 am for much of central, northeast, and northern Maryland. Mixed precipitation is expected, including possible sleet and ice on roads. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning commute. A mix of light freezing rain, sleet, and snow begins this evening. Precipitation mainly becomes a steady freezing rain tonight. Temperatures will warm Thursday morning transitioning freezing rain over to rain.
See the current forecast here: weather.gov/lwx/
Winter Storm Warnings Are In Effect for Several Counties in Maryland.
January 18th, 2025Heavy snow expected in certain parts of Maryland beginning 3 AM Sunday January 19 2025. Hazardous driving conditions. Avoid travel. More info: bit.ly/md-alerts
Winter Storm Watch
January 17th, 2025The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Washington, including Baltimore City from Sunday morning through Sunday evening, January 19, 2025.
Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations up to around 5 inches possible.
Marylanders Urged to Remain Cautious and Travel Safely Following the First Winter Storm of 2025
January 7th, 2025
Bitterly Cold Temperatures Forecasted This Week; Another Storm Possible Later This WeekHANOVER, MD (January 7, 2025) — The first major winter storm of 2025 has moved out of the region, but Marylanders should still use caution, stay prepared, and be mindful of hazards when traveling. The storm caused significant snowfall in many parts of the State, including more than 8 inches of accumulation in some areas, and led Governor Wes Moore to declare a State of Emergency on Sunday, January 5. |
| Forecasts call for extreme cold throughout the week ahead and windchills that could reach single digits. Even though the main storm has passed, continue to be mindful of icy roads and remain safe from cold temperatures.
Take Caution on Roads The storm brought significant snowfall and icy conditions to Maryland roads. While crews have been working to treat, plow, and clear roads, some areas, particularly backroads, may be hazardous.
Staying Safe During Extreme Cold Frostbite is damage to your body caused by your skin and nerves beginning to freeze. Symptoms and warning signs include:
WHAT TO DO:
Hypothermia is when you have an unusually (and unsafely) low body temperature. Any temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit is an emergency! Symptoms and warning signs include:
WHAT TO DO:
Both hypothermia and frostbite can set in quickly and may progress without the victim noticing. If you’re ever in doubt about how far a condition has gotten or not sure if the treatments above are helping, get medical help immediately. It’s far better to ask a professional and end up not needing them than to wait and discover worse damage later. During the cold days ahead, make an effort to check on vulnerable relatives, neighbors and friends to make sure they are safe and warm. If you or someone you know doesn’t have access to a warm residence, check your local government website for the availability of shelters or warming centers. Seeing the Impact of the Storm You can see snowfall totals, temperature by region, wind speed, and more weather information via Maryland’s Mesonet. You can view a map of Maryland and the 21 and growing Mesonet sites here: https://mesonet.umd.edu/ The Maryland Business Emergency Operations Center (MBEOC) is a centralized hub within the State Emergency Operation Center designed to support emergency management efforts between state agencies, the private sector businesses and other stakeholders during disasters or emergencies. The overall goal of the MBEOC is to facilitate communication, resource sharing, and collaboration to ensure that the private sector can make the best decisions for their employees and business operations and effectively contribute to the response and recovery processes. Learn more about resources available through the MBEOC by checking out their website or emailing questions to beoc.mdem@maryland.gov. For more information on preparedness, visit mdem.maryland.gov, follow MDEM on X at @MDMEMA, or follow MDEM’s Facebook page at facebook.com/MDMEMA. ### CONTACT: |
Governor Moore Declares State of Emergency, Closes Maryland State Government Ahead of Winter Storm
January 6th, 2025Published: 1/5/2025
- 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.
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.
- Learn more about safe generator use from the American Red Cross.
- Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
- Watch for symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite – it can set in quickly, especially if you have exposed skin or have been outside in the cold for an extended period of time.
- Please avoid travel if possible. If you absolutely must travel, be sure to let someone know your route and destination before you go.
- Know your evacuation routes.
Governor Moore Declares State of Preparedness Ahead of Winter Storm
January 4th, 2025ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore today declared a State of Preparedness in advance of the elevated winter storm threat to Maryland from Sunday, January 5 through Monday, January 6. 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.
A State of Preparedness enhances the state’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to potential hazards and threats before they escalate and provides an easy path for information sharing and coordination. Multiple State agencies and departments including emergency management, transportation, law enforcement, and public health are coordinating to prepare for the storm.
A strong area of low pressure is expected to bring the winter storm to Maryland with snowfall beginning Sunday and lasting through Monday evening. Some regions may see significant snow accumulation, though a mix of snow, sleet, and ice is also possible with the storm. Roads are expected to be icy and any unavoidable travel should be done with extreme caution. Detailed snow and ice totals will be updated regularly at weather.gov/lwx/winter.
Preparing 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.
Information about assistance with energy bills is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Generator Safety
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.
- Learn more about safe generator use from the Red Cross.
Staying Safe During Winter Storms
- Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
- Watch for symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite – it can set in quickly, especially if you have exposed skin or have been outside in the cold for an extended period of time.
- If you must travel, be sure to let someone know your route and destination before you go.
- Know your evacuation routes.
- If you’re able, check on older neighbors or relatives who may live alone to see if they’re doing well or need assistance.
For more information on preparedness, visit mdem.maryland.gov, follow MDEM on X at @MDMEMA, or follow MDEM’s Facebook page at facebook.com/MDMEMA.
| For immediate release: January 4, 2025 |
Contact: Brittany Marshall Brittany.Marshall2@maryland.gov |
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Maryland Department of Environment Releases 25 Agency Climate Plans to Meet Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets
December 20th, 2024BALTIMORE (December 20, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Environment today released climate plans submitted by 25 agencies to activate a “whole of government” strategy focused on cutting harmful emissions and building the green economy in line with the state’s Climate Pollution Reduction Plan.
The agency plans include over 100 priority actions to meet the state’s climate goals, including workforce development for installing clean appliances like heat pumps, electrifying vehicle fleets, making state buildings more energy efficient and diversifying the state’s energy portfolio. In June, Governor Moore issued an executive order creating the Climate Subcabinet and directing all agencies to complete Climate Implementation Plans by the end of 2024. State agencies will begin implementing the plans in 2025.
“We don’t have to choose between a green economy and a growing economy — we can, and we must, build both at the same time,” said Governor Moore. “By mounting an all-of-government approach to climate action, we will cut emissions, lower costs, and create more than 27,000 Maryland jobs. I thank my colleagues for their detailed proposals.”
The department also published the first progress report of the subcabinet, led by Maryland Secretary of the Environment Serena McIlwain and Chief Sustainability Officer Meghan Conklin. The report outlines a holistic approach to tackling climate change that prioritizes collaboration and coordination between all principal state agencies, as well as ongoing implementation of $13.5 billion in federal funding that the Moore-Miller Administration has secured since 2023. The report proposes a suite of metrics that will be regularly tracked to ensure agencies are advancing policies and programs that maximize positive environmental, economic and human health benefits for Marylanders.
“This is an unprecedented effort to focus on climate change as one government,” said Maryland Secretary of Environment Serena McIlwain. “I want to thank Governor Moore for bringing all agencies together to contribute to addressing our climate challenge and meeting our goals.”
The Moore-Miller Administration earlier this year announced a $90 million down payment on the state’s climate plan to help make Maryland a leader in clean energy and the greenest state in the country. The administration remains committed to the state’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent by 2031 and achieving 100 percent clean energy by 2035.
Governor Moore’s executive order also directed the Maryland Department of the Environment to take immediate action on climate change by proposing a zero-emission heating equipment standard regulation and a clean heat standard regulation, the Maryland Energy Administration to establish a framework for a clean energy standard, and the Maryland Department of Transportation to undertake several measures to promote clean transportation.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact:
Dave Abrams
dave.abrams1@maryland.gov
443-571-8779
“All of government” approach includes energy efficiency, workforce development