Change to Parking Rules Currently in Effect; Ride On Bus Will Operate Under an 'S Schedule' on Tuesday, Jan. 27. County Open with Liberal Leave on Jan. 27 with Some Activities Canceled.

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Storm Operations Center continues to monitor and respond to the winter storm. Crews went from plowing only primary roads to removing snow and ice from neighborhood roads Monday morning around 8 a.m. A first pass with a snowplow on neighborhood roads is expected to be complete by Tuesday afternoon. Residents can expect streets to be passable but should not expect to see bare pavement.  

The County prioritizes plowing primary streets so that emergency vehicles can reach each residential home within approximately one-quarter mile. Once primary streets are clear, County crews begin plowing residential roads. Plows may be pulled back to maintain primary streets. Additionally, snow is being actively hauled out of some intersections of the downtown areas of Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Wheaton. 

Plowing and Parking  

The County declared a “snow emergency” at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, and that remains in effect. The declaration imposes on-street parking restrictions and makes covered  County garages available for free parking.  

To allow for snow plowing, residents who must use on-street parking should park only on the even side of the street until the snow emergency ends, which will likely be sometime on Wednesday, Jan. 28. This is a change, since ice is not allowing cars to be easily moved to the opposite side of the street.

Residents can identify who plows their street or determine the snow removal status of a County-maintained road during a storm event by visiting MCDOT’s Snow Status page.  

Transportation  

Taxicabs providing service are permitted to charge an additional $2.50 per trip during the snow emergency period.   

Ride On bus service will remain on an "S schedule" on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Riders should continue to expect some delays due to road conditions. Visit RideOnBus.com for updates on service information.  

County Services 

Montgomery County Government is open on Tuesday, Jan. 27, with liberal leave for non-essential employees. Recreation programs, classes, senior transportation, and senior nutrition programs are canceled for Tuesday, Jan. 27. 

Recreation, aquatic, and senior centers will open at 9 a.m. or their regular opening time (if typically later than 9 a.m.). Patrons are advised to call ahead or check the website for the latest updates before heading to a center.  

Other County facilities like libraries, offices, and the Shady Grove Transfer Station will operate with normal hours. 

All County-provided recycling and refuse collection services will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 27, and will operate on a slide collection schedule this week (pending no further cancellations) with the last collection on Saturday, Jan. 31. Residents should make sure containers are accessible and clear of snow/ice.  

The County’s 311 call center, will be open until 10 p.m. today, Monday, Jan. 26. Regular hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 27. 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.  Please note that calls for street plowing will not be addressed until after the initial plowing phase is declared complete, indicated by a notice at the top of the snow portal page.  

In accordance with Executive Regulation 17-17, pets must not be left outside unattended during periods of extreme cold. Leaving a pet outside in these conditions may be considered an act of cruelty and could result in fines or charges for the pet owner. The regulation is enforced by the Office of Animal Services under the authority of its executive director.

For up-to-date snow-related information, residents can visit the County's Winter Storm Information Portal. Residents are also urged to sign up for Alert Montgomery to receive text and email updates on weather conditions and closings.  

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