Montgomery County is currently managing the impacts of a winter storm, prompting changes to parking regulations and public transportation schedules. The Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has activated its Storm Operations Center, which is continuously monitoring the situation and responding accordingly. As of Monday morning, crews have transitioned from clearing only primary roads to also addressing neighborhood streets, with an expectation of initial plowing completion by Tuesday afternoon. Although roads are anticipated to be passable, residents should be aware that bare pavement conditions are unlikely.
The County declared a “snow emergency” late Saturday afternoon, which means on-street parking restrictions are in effect, and county garages are available for complimentary parking. To facilitate snow removal, residents are advised to park on the even side of streets until the snow emergency is lifted, which is expected to be by Wednesday, January 28. For those interested in tracking the status of plowing on their streets, MCDOT provides a Snow Status page.
Additionally, taxicabs can charge an extra $2.50 per trip during this snow emergency. The Ride On bus service will operate on an “S schedule” Tuesday, January 27, and riders are encouraged to anticipate delays due to adverse road conditions. Updates about the service can be found on the Ride On website.
Regarding county services, Montgomery County offices will remain open with liberal leave for non-essential employees on January 27. However, many recreational programs, senior transportation, and nutrition services will be canceled. Recreation centers will open at 9 a.m. or at their usual times, and it’s recommended that visitors check online or call ahead for the latest information.
All recycling and refuse collection services will resume as scheduled, adhering to a slide collection schedule for the week, concluding on Saturday, January 31. Residents are reminded to ensure that their garbage containers are accessible and free from snow and ice.
Montgomery County’s 311 call center will be operational until 10 p.m. Monday and will resume regular hours on Tuesday. However, inquiries about street plowing will not be addressed until the initial plowing phase is complete, as indicated by notices on the county’s snow portal.
In conjunction with the winter weather, regulations are in place to protect pets during extreme cold conditions, prohibiting them from being left outdoors unattended. Violations of this regulation may lead to fines or other actions. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about weather-related updates and safety information by visiting the County’s Winter Storm Information Portal and signing up for Alert Montgomery for timely alerts about local weather and conditions.