By AFRO Staff
Winter weather slammed the Baltimore area, along with other cities along the East Coast the week of Jan.5, leading Maryland Gov. Wes Moore to declare a State of Emergency.
The emergency period that accompanied the first snow storm of 2025 lasted from Jan. 5 through Jan. 7, led schools and offices to close ahead of the icy roads and dangerous conditions witnessed once the storm began.
“Keeping Marylanders safe is our top priority,” said Gov. Moore, in a statement released about the state of emergency.
Originally, Moore had asked for a state of preparedness, but he upgraded the alert to make sure all resources available were put into use.
The snow began to fall on the East Coast on the evening of Jan.5, blanketing the hills of Pennsylvania after slamming the Mid-West in the days prior. In the D.C. area, a total of 7.2 inches of snow fell, according to the National Weather Service. On Jan. 6, the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport recorded 6.6 inches of snow. Travel backed up in airports as flights were delayed or cancelled all together. The snow fell throughout the day and into the evening hours.
Baltimoreans could still be seen shoveling snow and clearing cars and parking spaces well into Jan. 7.
Kenneth Samuels, 78, said he didn’t mind the wintery weather.
Originally from Grenada, he had few complaints about the snow.
“It’s beautiful,” said Samuels, as snowflakes fell around him. The AFRO caught up with the retired Morgan State University biology professor as he cleared snow from the steps and sidewalks of his property in efforts to avoid a fine from the City.
“I’m enjoying it– as long as it doesn’t last for the rest of the week,” he said. “We haven’t had a good snowfall for quite some years now. We’re spoiled here in Baltimore.”
The first snow of the year brought opportunities for sledding and snowball fights to Charm City, and meteorologists say the freezing temperatures and snowy weather aren’t done just yet.
Check out the winter weather safety tips below from the Maryland Office of the Governor.
Preparing your home and family for a winter storm:
- Include blankets, hats, mittens, and other warm clothing in your preparedness kit during winter months.
- Bring pets inside if possible, or create a safe space for outdoor animal companions to keep warm, safe from the elements, and able to find food.
- Winterize your vehicle and keep your gas tank at least half full to keep ice from building up in your gas tank and fuel lines.
- Take precautions to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Keep a supply of driveway salt or non-clumping kitty litter ready to go. You can spread either on outdoor surfaces to combat ice and make them less slippery.
- Check your home’s smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they work and have good batteries.
- Check for updates from the National Weather Service, and sign up for MdReady text alerts to receive news about storms, watches, and warnings.
Information about assistance with energy bills is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Generator safety
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.
- Learn more about safe generator use from the American Red Cross.
Staying safe during winter storms
- Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
- Watch for symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite – it can set in quickly, especially if you have exposed skin or have been outside in the cold for an extended period of time.
- Please avoid travel if possible. If you absolutely must travel, be sure to let someone know your route and destination before you go.
- Know your evacuation routes.
If you’re able, check on older neighbors or relatives who may live alone to see if they’re doing well or need assistance.
For more information on preparedness, visit mdem.maryland.gov, follow MDEM on X (Twitter) at @MDMEMA, or follow MDEM’s Facebook page at facebook.com/MDMEMA.
The post Walking in a Winter wonderland: Baltimoreans dig out of the snow after first storm of the year appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
