Information regarding the snow/ice storm and clean-up efforts can be found below. Be sure to check back often for updates and service modifications.
Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s State of Emergency Declaration Remains in Effect
The State of Emergency declaration issued by Mayor Scott on Friday, January 23rd remains in effect. This is a 24/7 hour excavation operation to remove heavy ice, which behaves more like rock and rubble than snow, from the City of Baltimore. This is an all-hands-on-deck effort. The City has mobilized volunteers and partner organizations to help assist in removing the snow and ice from footpaths where needed.
Information about this order can be viewed here.
Phase I of the Snow Emergency Plan Remains in Effect
Phase I of Baltimore City’s Snow Emergency Plan remains in effect. This means:
Baltimore City Department of Transportation crews and contractors are working hard to clear roadways across the city. To help restore primary roads and snow routes to full, multi-lane travel where possible, any vehicles still parked on these routes may be relocated. If your vehicle is relocated, please contact 311 to obtain information about where it has been moved.
Additional information about the Snow Emergency Plan can be found here.
Department of Public Works Service Updates
Trash & Recycling Collection – Alley Clearing Update
Alley Clearing & Collection Update (Week of February 1, 2026)
Prolonged freezing temperatures across Baltimore City have resulted in widespread ice accumulation in residential alleys, with ice layers measuring up to two to three inches thick. In many areas, conditions exceed what residents can safely or effectively address and require specialized heavy equipment to restore access.
To protect public safety and support the resumption of alley-based trash and recycling collection, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin a citywide alley clearing operation on Sunday, February 1, at 7:00 a.m.
Alley Clearing Operations
DPW has engaged a private contractor to deploy bobcats and front-end loaders dedicated exclusively to alley clearing. Operations will be organized into four quadrants and will run daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. until alleys are sufficiently cleared.
Alley clearing will follow the City’s regular trash collection schedule, beginning with Tuesday routes and progressing sequentially through the remainder of the week. Because trash and recycling share the same access points, once a trash route is cleared, it will also be accessible for recycling collection. After clearing, alleys will be treated with salt to reduce the risk of refreezing.
Work will conclude each evening at 7:00 p.m. due to limited alley lighting and to minimize disruption in residential neighborhoods.
DPW does not anticipate that all alleys will be fully cleared in time for the upcoming week’s scheduled collections. Residents should continue to follow the modified collection guidance outlined below.
Routine Collection Updates (Week of February 1–7, 2026)
Due to the time required to complete alley clearing, alley access will remain unavailable for collections this week. DPW will continue trash and recycling collection using the modified approach implemented last week:
DPW appreciates residents’ continued patience as crews work through severe winter conditions to restore safe access and maintain reliable service citywide.
Baltimore City Extends Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert
The Baltimore City Health Department has extended its a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert through Monday, February 2, 2026.
Click here for more information.
Code Purple Extension & Warming Centers
The Mayor's Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) has extended the Code Purple winter shelter activation until 9:00 AM this Sunday, February 1st. The following Continuum of Care (CoC) providers will operate as warming centers for people experiencing homelessness:
● My Sister's Place Women's Center - Women and Children Only 17 W. Franklin St., Baltimore, MD 21201 Daily, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
● Weinberg Housing & Resource Center (WHRC) 620 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202 Daily, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Protect Your Pipes During Freezing Temperatures
Residents should take some simple steps at home to help protect plumbing and reduce the risk of weather-related issues during freezing temperatures throughout the winter season.
Click here for more information.
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