Maryland residents are bracing themselves as a powerful nor’easter barrels toward the state, bringing with it a dangerous mix of heavy snow, rain, and powerful winds. Forecasts indicate that the winter storm will begin impacting the region on Sunday, February 22, 2026, and continue into Monday morning, with the worst conditions expected along the Eastern Shore and in parts of Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
According to WBFF, the approaching nor’easter is set to deliver heavy rain before transitioning to significant snowfall as temperatures drop below freezing Sunday evening. Early Sunday will see a chilly rain in the Baltimore metro area, gradually mixing with snow, but by nightfall, all precipitation will become snow, lasting through Monday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a range of winter weather alerts across Maryland, including blizzard warnings for the Eastern Shore and Delaware beaches, where wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph and snowfall totals may exceed 10 inches.
Winter storm warnings blanket the Baltimore metro area, and a winter weather advisory is in place for the D.C. metro. The I-95 corridor, a major artery for commuters, is expected to see snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches. Northeastern Maryland could receive 6 to 8 inches, while the Eastern Shore may see 8 to 10 inches or more. Washington, D.C. proper is forecasted to get 2 to 4 inches of snow, with Montgomery County in the lower range, according to 7News and The Baltimore Sun.
“This storm is expected to impact roads and transportation infrastructure statewide, with the potential for significant snow accumulation and hazardous travel conditions in parts of Maryland,” said Jim Abels, a spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, as reported by The Baltimore Sun. He emphasized that the state is coordinating with local agencies to prepare for the oncoming storm.
Understanding the different types of winter weather alerts is crucial for residents. As 7News explains, a Blizzard Warning is the most severe snow alert, issued when blizzard conditions—snow or blowing snow reducing visibility to a quarter mile or less for at least three hours, with winds sustained or gusting to 35 mph or higher—are expected within 12 to 18 hours. A Winter Storm Warning signals significant, hazardous winter weather, such as five inches or more of snow or sleet or a life-threatening mix of snow, ice, and wind. A Winter Weather Advisory, meanwhile, indicates lower-end winter weather that can still cause travel issues, typically for two to four inches of snow or any freezing rain.
For Baltimore and the surrounding counties, the heaviest snowfall is expected from Sunday afternoon into Monday morning. The Baltimore Sun notes that snow may begin accumulating around 5 p.m. Sunday, when temperatures are forecasted to hit the freezing mark. Monday morning commuters should be prepared for slushy roads and potentially hazardous travel, with wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph. Temperatures on Monday could climb to 39 degrees before dipping into the high 20s at night.
Ocean City and nearby areas are bracing for 6 to 9 inches of snow and wind gusts as high as 45 mph, making travel especially hazardous on bridges. Talbot, Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Worcester counties are under blizzard warnings, with the potential for dangerously low visibility and rapidly deteriorating road conditions.
Despite the severity of the impending storm, meteorologists and emergency officials say it is unlikely to rival the January snow event that left Maryland buried under snow and ice for weeks. WBFF reports that once the snow clears, temperatures are expected to rebound, reaching the upper 30s on Monday and climbing into the upper 40s and low 50s by midweek, which should help melt the accumulated snow. The next chance of rain is forecast for Thursday, further accelerating the thaw.
Still, the threat of power outages looms large, especially across the Northeast, due to the combination of heavy, wet snow and strong winds. The National Weather Service is urging residents to prepare by stocking up on nonperishable food, first-aid kits, and warm clothing. However, as The Baltimore Sun discovered, a run on salt has left many Baltimore-area stores out of stock, though the State Highway Administration reassures that it is operating at 80% capacity for its own salt supply.
With hazardous travel expected, local officials are urging people to stay off the roads if possible, especially during the height of the storm. For those who must venture out, WBFF and 7News advise using extreme caution, as road conditions are expected to deteriorate after 3 p.m. Sunday as snowfall intensifies and temperatures drop. The majority of snow accumulation will occur between Sunday evening and Monday morning, making the Monday commute particularly treacherous. Any leftover snow on roads and sidewalks could refreeze Monday night, creating icy conditions—so residents are encouraged to shovel as much as possible before sundown.
To help vulnerable residents during the dangerous cold and snow, Baltimore City and County have activated multiple warming centers and shelters. According to official city and county releases, Baltimore County’s freezing weather shelter program runs from February 22 to 26, with facilities opening at 6 p.m. each evening and remaining open until 9 a.m. the next morning. No referral is needed—anyone seeking warmth can arrive between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. for intake at locations such as the Eastern Family Resource Center in Rosedale and the Westside Men’s Shelter in Catonsville.
Baltimore City’s Office of Homeless Services has issued a Winter Shelter Declaration from 4 p.m. Sunday through 9 a.m. Monday. Shelters for single men, single women, families, and couples are available, and warming centers such as Beans & Bread, Franciscan Center, and Manna House will be open with daytime hours. Residents in need are encouraged to call the Coordinated Entry line for referrals during specified hours.
Despite the preparations, not all areas have cleared sidewalks as of Saturday, and the city’s warming resources are expected to be in high demand. Vincent Wilson, a Baltimore resident, was seen finding an opening in piled snow at a street corner where no sidewalk clearing had been done, highlighting the challenges that come with each winter storm.
As Marylanders face another round of winter weather, officials continue to urge caution, preparation, and compassion for vulnerable neighbors. With a mix of snow, wind, and freezing temperatures bearing down, the next 48 hours will test the region’s readiness—but the promise of milder days ahead offers hope that this storm, while disruptive, will not linger for long.