Montgomery Co. Issues Cold Emergency Alert: Latest Forecast, How To Prepare

Updated at 5:56 p.m.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — As a strong winter storm heads toward the region, Montgomery County officials are reminding residents about snow removal policies, and sharing tips to prepare for the arctic blast, including bringing your pets indoors.

The county’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security issued a Cold Emergency Alert effective at 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, and continuing through noon Wednesday, Jan. 28. Temperatures are expected to only reach into the teens and single digits during this period. Wind chills for the same time are forecast to drop into the single digits and near zero degrees.

The National Weather Service forecast calls for as much as 13 inches of snow to fall in Montgomery County this weekend, forecasters said in a Friday update. The storm is also predicted to bring bitterly cold temperatures to the region, with wind chills reaching as low as 10 degrees below zero.

The City of Rockville declared a snow emergency that will go into effect at 7 p.m. Saturday. Community centers, the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center and Rockville Senior Center will be closed Sunday, Jan. 25. All city facilities will be closed Monday, Jan. 26.

Visit rockvillemd.gov for more information.

A winter storm warning is in effect for most of Maryland, and encompasses Baltimore City and surrounding counties, including Montgomery, Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Prince George's, and Howard. The warning is in effect from 11 p.m. Saturday until 4 a.m. Monday.

The National Weather Service said snow will likely spread across the region Saturday night, becoming heavy at times with rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour possible. A mix of sleet or freezing rain is expected Sunday, with significant icing possible, especially south of Highway 50. Visibility of one-quarter mile or less is possible at times.

Montgomery County Public Schools said Friday morning that the Division of Food and Nutrition Services is preparing meals for students. Schools will provide two meals to take home Friday, one breakfast and one lunch.

Emergency food distribution sites will be available as early as Tuesday if needed, the school district said.

Information on how to prepare for and respond to extreme cold is available on the county’s Hypothermia Alert page. Watch the Winter Safety Tips from Montgomery County’s Public Health Officer video on the County’s YouTube channel.

Due to the expected snow this weekend, Montgomery County Department of Transportation Ride On bus service may switch to an "S Service Schedule." Riders should check Ride On alerts posted on the County’s snow portal website or visit the Ride On website for service updates. The Ride On Trip Planner App shows bus arrival in real time. It is suggested that riders check the app before heading to their bus stop and dress warmly and in layers with waterproof shoes.

The Poolesville Beauty Spot will be closed for trash service on Saturday, Jan. 24, due to weather-related preparations and operations. Residents should visit the Department of Environmental Protection website for updated trash and recycling schedules.

Residents should check County Public Libraries and Recreation websites for updates on any facility closures.

During periods of extreme cold, residents are reminded to take the following precautions:

• Limit time outdoors when possible. Extreme cold poses increased risks for children, older adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, and animals. Frostbite can develop in as little as 30 minutes of exposure.
• Dress in layers of warm clothing and wear a hat; nearly half of body heat is lost through the head.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from cold air.
• Mittens (snug at the wrist) provide better warmth than gloves.
• Do not ignore shivering, which is an early sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.
• Residents who must work or spend extended periods outdoors should wear additional layers, take frequent breaks in warm locations, and drink warm fluids. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

When open during regular hours, Montgomery County facilities including libraries, recreation centers and senior centers, are available to anyone seeking relief from the cold. Public shopping centers may also serve as warming locations during their normal operating hours. Residents should confirm hours of operation before visiting.

Staff from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and community-based providers will reach out to people experiencing homelessness and encourage them to seek shelter during the extreme cold.

Residents concerned about the well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness may call the 24-hour Crisis Line at 240-907-2688. Outreach partners will attempt to locate the individual and connect them with resources and support.

Preparations are underway in case emergency shelters are needed due to power outages or other emergencies.

In accordance with Executive Regulation 17-17, pets must not be left outside unattended during periods of extreme cold. Leaving a pet outside in these conditions may be considered an act of cruelty and could result in fines or charges for the pet owner. The regulation is enforced by the Office of Animal Services under the authority of its executive director.

County officials urge residents to subscribe to Alert Montgomery for the latest warnings and information. Alerts can be sent to one or more electronic devices, including cell phones and email accounts.

For general information during a storm, check the county’s website and social media feeds and pages. For information on snow removal and roadways during the storm, visit the County Winter Storm Information Portal.

The MC311 County informational call center can answer questions and handle requests for service like downed trees that may block a county road. You can reach MC311 by calling 311 in the county or 240-777-0311, 711 for MD Relay TTY, from anywhere, Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Questions can also be asked or requests made of MC311 through their website. Often, MC311 will remain open for extended hours during periods of emergencies.

Cancellations

The Birdland Caravan event at Westfield Montgomery scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24, has been cancelled.

Montgomery County Snowstorm Policies

Residents can fill out an online form to determine who plows their street after a snowstorm. Find the link here.

The county's winter storm information portal also offers residents a way to check on the status of street plowing; submit a request for a street or sidewalk to be cleared; and see the latest delays and closings.

During Snowstorms and Extreme Cold

Stay indoors and only travel if absolutely necessary. If you must drive, remember to clear snow off the roof of your car. Travel in the day and, if possible, don’t travel alone. Keep others informed of your schedule and your route, stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts. Make sure you have an emergency kit in your car with winter-specific additions like an ice scraper, extra blankets, sand or cat litter for traction, and jumper cables.

Animals must not be left outside unattended during extreme cold temperatures. Make a plan now to bring pets inside during the storm. Leaving animals outside unattended in these conditions may be considered an act of cruelty and pet owners could be charged and fined accordingly, the county said.

More Winter Weather Tips

• Check the County’s Winter Storm Information Portal for information on snow plowing schedules, where to park your car safely, how to identify county-maintained versus state-maintained roadways, and more.
• Walk carefully on snowy or icy walkways.
• Montgomery County’s snow shoveling law requires all property owners to clear snow and ice from public sidewalks adjacent to their properties within 24 hours after the snow stops falling. Don’t forget to help your neighbors who may not be able to shovel safely themselves.
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack — a major cause of death in the winter. Use caution, take breaks, push the snow instead of lifting it when possible, and lift lighter loads.
• When shoveling, help firefighters maintain quick access to hydrants by clearing show three feet around hydrants.
• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
• If you must go outside, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
• Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
• Wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to reduce heat loss.
• Maintain ventilation if using kerosene heaters or a generator. Refill heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.