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.
Main Street Snow Shoveler
  1. Phase I / Level I (1 inch to 4 inches snow fall)
  2. Phase II / Level II (5 inches to 8 inches snowfall)  
  3. Phase III / Level III (9 inches to 14 inches snow fall)
  4. 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. 

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

  1. Frostbite
  2. Hypothermia

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. 

Roadway Travel Levels 

The City of Annapolis has three classification levels for roadway travel during a snow event. They are as follows: 

  1. Level I
  2. Level II
  3. Level III

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.  

Additional Information

For more information,  please visit Department of Public Works page.