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Montgomery County January 2026 Snow Update #2: Snow Plowing on Primary Roads Ongoing

For Immediate Release: Sunday, January 25, 2026

Parking Rules Currently in Effect 
Limited Ride On Service Schedule for Sunday, Jan. 25

County Buildings and Activities Closed/Canceled for Sunday, Jan. 25

Winter Storm Warning

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Storm Operations Center was activated at 9 p.m. last night, Saturday, Jan. 24, to monitor and respond to the winter storm. Crews began plowing primary roads with more than 500 pieces of equipment at 4 a.m. and will continue throughout the day. Snowfall is expected to continue until the early afternoon.

The County prioritizes plowing primary streets so that emergency vehicles can reach each residential home within approximately one-quarter mile. Once snowfall stops and those primary streets are clear, County crews will begin plowing residential roads. Plows may be pulled back to maintain primary streets. Given the scope of this event, residents should expect it will take some time before all residential roads are plowed. Crews will be working around the clock until all streets are plowed and treated.

Residents are asked to stay off the roads unless driving is essential. The County declared a “snow emergency” at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24. The declaration imposes on-street parking restrictions and makes covered County garages available for free parking.

During the snow emergency, parking is prohibited on posted snow emergency routes and posted surface parking lots. Residents are asked to make every effort to park in driveways and garages. Parking is available at no charge in County-operated parking garages until the snow emergency has ended.

To allow for snow plowing, residents who must use on-street parking should park only on the even side of the street through Monday, Jan. 26. If emergency conditions persist, residents will be expected to move their cars to the odd side of the street by 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Any vehicle parked and left unattended in violation of these provisions may be removed and impounded. In addition, taxicabs providing service are permitted to charge an additional $2.50 per trip during this period.

For additional details on the County's snow emergency, visit the Snow Portal’s frequently asked questions page.

The state of Maryland can also declare snow emergencies for state roads, typically identified by numbered roadways (Rockville Pike / 355). This issuance does not have the same parking restrictions as County roads, nor does it waive County parking fees.

Ride On bus service will operate on a reduced schedule today, Sunday, Jan. 25, with 17 routes operating from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Bus frequency will be 40-60 minutes. A decision on service levels for Monday, Jan. 26, will be made later on Sunday. Visit www.RideOnBus.com for updates on service information.

Government Facilities Operating Updates:

  • Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 25.
  • Montgomery County Department of Recreation Centers will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 25.
  • Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) stores will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 25.
  • The Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station in Derwood will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 25.
  • The Montgomery County Animal Adoption Center will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 25.
  • The County’s 311 call center will be open from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25, and from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday, Jan.26. Residents can contact MC 311 by calling 3-1-1 or 240-777-0311 (when calling from outside the County) or visit online at MC311.com. 
  • All Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)-sponsored activities are canceled for Sunday, Jan. 25. MCPS schools are closed to students on Monday, Jan. 26, for a previously scheduled staff planning day. MCPS will update its operational status for Monday, Jan. 26, by 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25.

For the up-to-date snow-related information, residents can visit the County's Snow Information Portal. 

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Release ID: 26-021
Media Contact: Mary Anderson 3015297669, (MCDOT) Emily DeTitta 240-372-2282
Categories: Alcoholic Beverage, Animal Services, Recreation, Snow