Winter Storms
Winter Storms in Annapolis, MD
- Generally, the City of Annapolis is only faced with moderate snowfall and may go several years with little measurable snow, only to be followed by a single heavy or extremely heavy snowfall.
- During the October to April Nor'easter season, February is the busiest month.
- Nor'easters last up to a week in duration, and are 1,000 miles or more in diameter.
- Power outages (extended) are a primary concern with snow and ice storms.
- Most boats will be in storage for the winter, although not all.
- Phase I / Level I (1 inch to 4 inches snow fall)
- Phase II / Level II (5 inches to 8 inches snowfall)
- Phase III / Level III (9 inches to 14 inches snow fall)
- Phase IV / Level IV (15 inches or more)
Requires all vehicles on emergency snow routes to be equipped with all-season radials, snow tires, or chains. We expect to make the emergency snow routes passable within 12 hours of the end of the snow fall. Snow connector routes will be made passable within 24 hours of the end of the snow fall. All other routes will be made passable within 36 hours of the end of the snow fall.
Vehicular parking is banned on emergency snow routes; in advance of a snow emergency, residents will be directed to move their vehicles off snow emergency routes to avoid towing and impound. We expect to make emergency snow routes passable within 24 hours of the end of the snow fall. Snow connector routes will be made passable within 36 hours of the end of the snow fall. All other routes will be made passable within 60 hours of the end of the snow fall.
All vehicles will be prohibited from operating on any street within the corporate limits of Annapolis except snow equipment, emergency vehicles or others authorized by the Mayor. All previous restrictions prevail. Snow Emergency Routes will be made passable within 96 hours of the end of the snowfall. Snow Connector Routes will be made passable within 120 hours of the end of the snow fall. All other routes will be made passable within 144 hours at the end of the snowfall.
The City's Public Information Officer will advice the public regarding the sections of the City which Public Works crews are servicing and their approximate completion times through the City's website and other media outlets.
Terminology
Winter Storm Warning
Winter Storm Warnings are issued about 12-24 hours before the event is predicted to begin. It is issued when hazardous winter weather from heavy snow, heavy sleet, or heavy freezing rain is expected to occur.
Winter Storm Watch
Winter Storm Watches are issued 12-48 hours before the beginning of a storm. Advises the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy sleet, or heavy freezing rain.
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Storm Watches are issued when accumulations of freezing rain, sleet, or snow will cause a significant inconvenience. Caution should be taken.
Signs and Basic Treatment for Hypothermia and Frostbite
Signs:
Numbness, firm or waxy skin, white or grayish-yellow skin.
Treatment:
Move to a warm room and soak in warm water. Do not use a heating pad because one may not feel if it is too hot and inadvertently burn oneself.
Signs:
Shivering, confusion, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness.
Treatment:
Move to a warm room and warm the center of the body first. Wrap oneself up in warm dry blankets.
Roadway Travel Levels
The City of Annapolis has three classification levels for roadway travel during a snow event. They are as follows:
Requires all vehicles on emergency snow routes to be equipped with chains or snow tires. If the local forecast is for 1 to 4 inches of snow, emergency snow routes, snow connector routes, side streets, street ends, and cul-de-sacs will be made passable within 24 to 36 hours after the end of the storm.
Vehicle parking is banned on emergency snow routes. Vehicles should be moved to driveways, the City Dock parking lot, or the Hillman and Gotts garages. Vehicles that remain parked or abandoned on the emergency snow routes will be towed to the City Dock Parking Lot if necessary. If the forecast is for 5 to 8 inches, we expect to make emergency snow routes passable within 24 to 36 hours after the storm ends. Snow connector routes, side streets, street ends, and cul-de-sacs will be made passable only after all emergency snow routes are made passable or within 48 hours.
All vehicles will be prohibited from operating on any street within the corporate limits of Annapolis except snow equipment, emergency vehicles, or others authorized by the Mayor. If the forecast is for 9 inches or more of snow, or any freezing rain or ice, challenges will become greater. Emergency snow routes will be made passable within 3 to 4 days, with snow connector routes, side streets, street ends, and cul-de-sacs made passable within 3 to 5 days.
Additional Information
For more information, please visit Department of Public Works page.