Baltimore, MD – According to the Baltimore Sun, a powerful winter storm struck Maryland on Sunday, January 25, 2026, dumping more than seven inches of snow and sleet across the state and leading to limited but notable power outages, widespread road closures, and school shutdowns that persisted into Monday.
Governor Wes Moore ordered all state offices closed on Monday to facilitate cleanup efforts on major and secondary roads. Local governments, from Baltimore City to those on the Eastern Shore, declared states of emergency and advised residents to remain indoors to avoid hazardous travel conditions. The storm’s impact extended beyond Maryland, as President Donald Trump approved emergency declarations for at least a dozen states affected by the nationwide weather event, which brought subzero temperatures, disrupted air and road traffic, and caused tree branches and power lines to snap under ice accumulation. In the Southeast, hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses lost electricity due to the storm’s fury.
In Maryland, the storm triggered approximately 500 power outages by Sunday afternoon, with the most significant disruption occurring in Dorchester County on the Eastern Shore. There, ice-laden trees fell onto a power line, cutting electricity to an estimated 450 customers—about 8% of the county’s service area. Utility crews worked through the night to address the issue, anticipating full restoration by early Monday or sooner. Statewide, power disruptions remained relatively contained compared to other regions, but officials warned of potential increases as freezing rain and sleet continued to coat trees and lines.
The storm’s wintry mix transitioned from heavy snow to sleet and freezing rain late Sunday, exacerbating risks for additional power outages and downed lines. In Cecil County, officials reported 6 to 8 inches of accumulation, with conditions worsening as northeast winds gusted up to 30 mph. County Executive Adam Streight highlighted the dangers of the combination of snow, sleet, and ice, noting possible isolated tree falls and line damage. Shelters stood ready in case of widespread outages, though one in Wicomico County closed due to low usage. A warming center opened Monday at the Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury for those in need.
Communities responded with resilience amid the disruptions. In Baltimore City, Mayor Brandon Scott launched the volunteer “Snow Corps” initiative to assist seniors, individuals with disabilities, and others in clearing sidewalks. Residents could request help via 311, the city website, or the BALT311 app, with coordination from the Emergency Operations Center. Independent efforts also emerged, such as resident Abby Chow and her daughter Kai, who shoveled neighborhood sidewalks throughout the day, embracing the snowy scene as a “winter wonderland.” Chow, who moved to Baltimore in 2018, described the event as her daughter’s first major snowfall in the city, fostering neighborly interactions despite the shutdowns.
Businesses in downtown Annapolis adapted to the sparse foot traffic. At Market House, General Manager Bob Harrison kept the restaurant and bar operational, noting it as one of the few open venues offering refuge. Nearby, Mills Fine Wine & Spirits stayed accessible, stocking essentials like water and snacks alongside alcohol. Owner Jennifer Donahoe, living just a block away, emphasized the store’s commitment to serving the community during adverse weather, though sales remained low due to the storm.
Educational and transportation sectors faced significant interruptions. All major school districts in Maryland closed Monday, with several, including Baltimore County Public Schools, extending closures into Tuesday. Harford County Schools planned a delayed opening. At BWI Marshall Airport, a team of nearly 200 snow removal staff worked around the clock to clear runways and taxiways, despite hundreds of flight cancellations. Maryland State Highway Administration deployed over 3,000 pieces of equipment statewide, with crews repeatedly plowing routes to maintain access. Maryland State Police handled more than 700 service calls and 38 crashes by Sunday afternoon.
The National Weather Service forecasted lingering challenges, with sunny but frigid conditions on Monday—highs near 28 degrees and lows around 4, with wind chills as low as -7. Tuesday promised similar cold with lighter winds. Officials stressed delaying non-essential travel to allow for safe recovery from the storm‘s aftermath.
For more information, visit Baltimore Sun.