WINTER STORM: Worcester County – SNOW EMERGENCY LIFTED

January 26, 2026/Mari Lou

UPDATED – 01/26/26  6pm – The Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack in conjunction with local agencies and the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration as of 3 p.m. today (Monday, January 26th 2026) lifted the Snow Emergency Plan in Worcester County.

Motorists with questions can contact the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack at 410-641-3101. For
more information on snow emergency plans:
https://chart.maryland.gov/SnowEmergencyPlan/GetSnowEmergencyPlan

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UPDATED – 01/25/26 – 6pm – Due to unsafe travel conditions caused by inclement weather, all Worcester County Government Offices will be closed Monday, January 26, 2026.

The Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill, all Branch Libraries, the Worcester County Central Landfill in Newark, and the Homeowner Convenience Centers (located in Berlin, Pocomoke, Snow Hill, and at the Central Landfill) will also be closed Jan. 26.

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UPDATED – 01/24/26  10pm – SNOW EMERGENCY IN EFFECT on January 24, 2026 AT 2200 HOURS

The Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack in conjunction with local agencies and the State Highway Administration are implementing the Snow Emergency Plan for Worcester County effective as of January 24, 2026 at 2200 hours. This plan is to assist the State Highway Administration in snow clearing operations throughout the county.

Once the snow emergency plan goes into effect, all vehicles on the roadway must be equipped with snow chains or snow tires. In addition, a parking ban is imposed on all snow emergency routes in the County. All vehicles left on the shoulders of these routes will be towed at the owner’s expense.

A press release will be sent out advising when the snow emergency plan has been lifted.

Motorists with questions can contact the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack at 410-641-3101.
For more information on snow emergency plans:
http://www.chart.state.md.us/StormInfo/snow_emergency_plans.asp

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UPDATED – 01/24/26 – Worcester County Recreation & Parks, the Central Landfill, and all Homeowner Convenience Center will be closed Sunday, January 25, 2026, in anticipation of unsafe weather conditions.

Worcester County officials will continue to monitor the progress of the winter snowstorm and advise the public of any further cancellations or closings that may occur.

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The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Worcester County. Forecasts call for a mix of snow and ice of approximately six inches, with prolonged, dangerously low temperatures.

The Worcester County Department of Emergency Services (DES) urges residents to prepare now, as power outages, downed trees, and rapidly deteriorating road conditions are likely. Periods of low visibility are also expected.

“We ask everyone to avoid unnecessary travel once the precipitation begins and to keep roadways clear for snowplows and emergency vehicles,” DES Director Chris Shaffer said. “If you must travel, exercise extreme caution, and bring car chargers, sand or kitty litter for tire traction, warm clothing, food, and water. Be sure to notify family and friends of your travel routes and an expected arrival time.”

DES reminds residents that life-threatening conditions can set in quickly in extreme cold and encourages everyone to take precautions:

  • Keep phones charged to receive weather updates and emergency alerts.
  • Stock at least three days’ worth of non-perishable food, water, and medications.
  • Move parked vehicles, trash cans, and other obstructions off roadways.
  • Check on elderly or vulnerable residents.
  • Know who to contact in the case of a power outage.
  • Protect pets from the elements by bringing them indoors, and provide access to unfrozen water.
  • Protect plumbing by allowing a thin, continuous stream of cold water—about the thickness of a pencil lead—to run from faucets during prolonged subfreezing temperatures.
  • Use portable heating sources only as directed by manufacturers, keep combustible materials at least three feet away, and never operate generators indoors or in attached garages.

To learn more about preparing for emergency conditions and download an Emergency Checklist and Family Emergency Preparedness Guide, visit https://www.co.worcester.md.us/departments/emergency-services.

 

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