Baltimore City Public Schools Closing Early Monday, February 1

BALTIMORE, MD — With several inches of snow on the ground in Baltimore, multiple closures are in effect, from government offices to COVID-19 vaccination clinics and schools.

Baltimore City Public Schools will close virtual learning two hours early Monday, Feb. 1, for students and school-based staff. District office staff will continue working remotely on a regular schedule.

In-person learning had already shifted to virtual learning, and meal sites were closed due to snow.

Nearly 4 inches of snow has been reported in Baltimore Monday morning. In Hamilton, 3.8 inches were reported and in Mount Washington, 3.5 inches were reported at 8:30 a.m., based on unofficial data submitted to the National Weather Service. On Sunday night, 5 inches of snow was measured in Park Heights.

Mayor Brandon Scott said about 6 inches of snow could fall total by Tuesday morning, and he advised people only to travel if absolutely necessary.

"While we spent Sunday and this morning plowing and treating all city roads, taking proactive steps to improve our operations each hour, we can expect freezing conditions," Scott said in a statement. "It is absolutely imperative that you remain home for your safety and to allow our crews to do their jobs."

Drivers should not pass working snow plows and should allow plenty of following distance so that plow drivers have plenty of room to maneuver.

More than 400 plows are out in Baltimore City, according to Baltimore City Department of Transportation Director Steve Sharkey.

Inspection teams are checking the Jones Falls Expressway and MD 295 in addition to other roads, authorities said.

A winter shelter declaration is in effect until 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3. Residents in need of shelter should call 443-984-9540 or dial 211.

Winter Weather Advisory

Baltimore is under a winter weather advisory until 6 a.m. Tuesday calling for 1 to 2 inches of additional snowfall and up to 0.1 inch ice. The advisory applies to Baltimore City as well as Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Howard counties.

Pedestrians should be careful when walking outside, as stairs, sidewalks and driveways may be icy and slippery.

Drivers should reduce their speed and prepare for potentially hazardous conditions during the morning or evening commutes. People who must travel should keep a flashlight, food and water in the vehicle in case of emergency.

Baltimore Closures

COVID Testing: The Baltimore City Health Department’s testing site at the Baltimore Convention Center will be closed Monday, Feb. 1. The Zeta Center will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 2 due to inclement weather. Visit coronavirus.baltimorecity.gov/testing for updates.

Baltimore City Government: Liberal leave is in effect for non-essential Baltimore City employees and employees who are teleworking. Employees must follow departmental call-in procedures and get permission from their immediate supervisor or designee prior to using liberal leave. Employees will be required to use accumulated vacation, personal leave or compensatory time, or authorized leave without pay. See the Baltimore City Office of the Labor Commissioner on Facebook or call the City of Baltimore's employee hotline at 410-361-9200 for more information.

Department of Public Works (DPW): The following DPW facilities will be closed Monday, Feb. 1:

• Sisson Street Citizen Drop-Off Center at 2840 Sisson Street
• Citizens’ Convenience Drop-Off Center at 701 Reedbird Avenue
• Citizens’ Convenience Drop-Off Center at 6101 Bowleys Lane

MTA Service: MDOT MTA Commuter Bus service has been canceled for all routes.

See Also:

• Winter Storm Closes Some MD COVID Testing Sites Monday: State
• MD Weather: Latest Snow Totals, Travel Warnings