Garrett County Emergency Management Prepares for Winter Storm

Garrett County Emergency Management continues to closely monitor an approaching winter storm expected to impact the county beginning Saturday afternoon and continuing through Sunday. A Winter Storm Warning goes into effect later today, January 24, 2026, with current forecasts calling for 12–18 inches of snow across Garrett County, along with the potential for gusty winds and occasional mixed precipitation at times.

Hazardous travel conditions are expected as the storm progresses.

Emergency Management has been actively coordinating with local, state, and regional partners for several days to ensure preparedness across all response agencies. As the storm moves into the region, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has moved to an enhanced status to further monitor impacts and coordinate resources as needed should specific needs arise.

At the Enhanced status, the incident or event ​requires additional monitoring or resources by core emergency operations staff with potential augmentation from selected agencies, functions, and organizations.

Fire and rescue departments throughout Garrett County have been continuously briefed on storm expectations and are well prepared to respond as needed. Each fire department is equipped with at least one—if not several—four-wheel-drive vehicles, and additional resources including all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles will be available should conditions require specialized access.

Emergency Medical Services stations across the county will be fully staffed throughout the duration of the storm with a combination of volunteer personnel and career Garrett County Emergency Services staff to ensure timely and effective response to medical emergencies. Emergency Management has also remained in close coordination with the Garrett County Roads Department, which has been preparing for this storm for several days. While road crews are well prepared to handle the forecasted snowfall, residents should anticipate that it will take time to clear roadways, particularly during periods of heavy snow.

9To support storm-related operations, staffing at the Garrett County 911 Communications Center has been increased beginning tonight in anticipation of a potential rise in call volume and incident activity. This proactive staffing adjustment is intended to ensure timely call handling and dispatch throughout the storm.

Community Support and Sheltering
Emergency Management continues to work with local agencies and partners to ensure Garrett County’s vulnerable populations are identified and supported. Shelter locations across the county have been identified and can be opened if needs arise as the storm moves through the area. Information regarding shelters or warming centers can be obtained by calling 301-334-7280 or 301-334-1929.

Public Safety Reminder
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and exercise caution throughout the storm. Road conditions will be less than optimal while snowfall is ongoing. Please stay home if you can but if you must travel please give road crews plenty of distance and time to safely keep roadways open and clear.

As a reminder, please do not call 911 unless you have an emergency. The non-emergency line for the 911 Center is 301-334-1929, and questions may also be directed to the Emergency Operations Center at 301-334-7280.

Emergency Management will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as necessary.