Skip to main content

Press Releases

  1. News
  2. Press Releases
  3. Release

Montgomery County Finishes Snow Plowing Operation After Sunday Event and Warns of Below Freezing Temperatures Through Thursday, Jan. 23

For Immediate Release: Monday, January 20, 2025

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation's (MCDOT) Storm Operation Center (SOC) crews have finished treating and plowing 5,300 lane miles of County roads, including 1,608 emergency primary routes and 3,700 residential roads. Crews will continue to treat any remaining slush and ice throughout the evening. The SOC was deactivated at 4 p.m. today and a small number of crews will remain to monitor roadways and sidewalks throughout the night. Due to extremely low temperatures, crews will reactivate tomorrow re-treat all County-maintained roadways during the early morning hours, as needed, prior to the morning commute.

Extremely cold temperatures will continue throughout the week. Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. A Cold Weather Advisory has been issued for Montgomery County from 10 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21 to 10 am. Thursday, Jan. 23.  Wind chill values may drop to -10 degrees Fahrenheit.

The plowing and treatment of roads are intended to make streets passable, not to clear them to bare pavement. About one to three inches of snow fell on Sunday, Jan. 19. MCDOT reminds residents to remain cautious of refreezing on roads and sidewalks.

Visit the County’s Snow Information Portal for snow-related information, including who is responsible for clearing a roadway and reporting a missed street.

MCDOT’s Ride On bus service will operate on the regular weekday schedule tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan 21.

Utilities

Continued below-freezing temperatures throughout the week may cause power outages. The power utilities serving Montgomery County include Pepco, Baltimore Gas and Electric  and First Energy. All have downloadable mobile apps for reporting power outages.

In case of water main breaks or leaks, contact the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) at 301-206-4002, by email to [email protected] or by using the WSSC Water Mobile App.

What Residents Can Do

During a period of extremely cold temperatures and snowy conditions, it is important to check on neighbors, especially older adults and those living alone. Staff from the Department of Health and Human Services and community-based partners are reaching out to unhoused individuals and urging them to seek shelter. Emergency shelters are open and  residents who are concerned about the well-being of someone who is unhoused can call the 24-hour Homeless Information Line at 240-907-2688. Outreach partners will attempt to locate the individual and urge them to come indoors to a shelter. If someone is seeking shelter, call the Crisis Center at 240-777-4000.

Animals should not be left outside unattended. The Animal Services team is enforcing Executive Regulation 17-17, Anti-Cruelty Conditions for Dogs and Other Pets. If you see an animal left outside that appears to be in danger, call 301-279-8000.

County residents are required to clear sidewalks alongside their properties within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm. The path must be wide enough to accommodate pedestrians and wheelchairs. The County encourages everyone to help seniors or others who may not be physically able to shovel. When shoveling, please keep snow clear from fire hydrants and make a point to shovel hydrants out with a three-foot diameter around the hydrant. Find more information at montgomerycountymd.gov/safesidewalks.

For the latest snow-related updates, visit the County's Snow Information Portal and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X @MontgomeryCoMD.

 #   #   #

Release ID: 25-033
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta 240-372-2282
Categories: Snow, Transportation