Marylanders are bracing for an anticipated winter storm, as Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Emergency on Friday. The warning comes with forecasts predicting up to 14 inches of snow beginning Saturday and continuing into Sunday and Monday. Governor Moore urged residents to exercise caution and stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, emphasizing the seriousness of the storm’s potential impact across the state.
“This storm has the potential to impact all of Maryland,” Moore said. He elevated the situation from a State of Preparedness he had announced earlier in the week, during which he also requested federal assistance. “The ask that we have out to the White House is for a federal emergency declaration,” he added, noting that several states along the East Coast have similarly declared emergencies.
In addition to the snowfall, concerns over low temperatures and icy conditions are expected to complicate clean-up efforts and safety in the following week. “It would be ideal if the storm hit and then the next day it was going to be 60 degrees; that’s not what’s going to happen here,” Moore remarked.
In neighboring jurisdictions, Virginia’s Governor Abigail Spanberger and Washington D.C.’s Mayor Muriel Bowser also declared states of emergency. Bowser has requested assistance from the National Guard, highlighting a widespread proactive response in the region, as 20 U.S. states and D.C. are currently under emergency declarations.
Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy reassured residents of her county’s preparedness for the storm. “I am proud to say Prince George’s County is ready,” she said, as the county is expected to face significant snowfall. With forecasts estimating 10 inches of snow, around 300 emergency crews have been mobilized, practicing ahead of the storm and standing by to operate snow plows in 12-hour shifts. Braveboy reminded drivers to refrain from parking in snow emergency zones and to stay off the roads wherever possible.
As this winter storm approaches, the emphasis on safety and community readiness is paramount, underscoring the collective effort across local and state leadership to ensure public safety during challenging weather conditions.