Press Releases
Montgomery County February 2026 Snow Update #1: Preparations for the Storm Forecasted for Sunday, Feb. 2
For Immediate Release: Saturday, February 21, 2026
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County residents are advised that a winter storm warning has been announced for Montgomery County starting at 3 p.m. tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 22, and extending into Monday morning at 10 a.m. The forecast is still highly variable, but at a minimum, moderate snow accumulation on streets and sidewalks is expected overnight. Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) crews are mobilizing at noon on Sunday, Feb. 22 to prepare for snow clearing operations and the Storm Operation Center will activate at 3 p.m. to monitor and coordinate storm response.
Although the forecast is currently less severe than last winter storm, residents should begin preparing for the storm, including considering adjusting appointments, activities, and travel beginning Sunday evening and into at least Monday, Feb. 23. Residents are encouraged to park in private garages and on private driveways, in County parking garages, and on the even side of the street where street parking is unavoidable. Parking in County garages is free on Sunday, and enforcement will be suspended until at least noon on Monday so that residents have a chance to retrieve their cars after the storm has passed.
A decision about whether a “snow emergency” will be declared will be made by Sunday afternoon when the forecast is more certain. A snow emergency declaration imposes on-street parking restrictions and makes covered County garages available for free parking during hours when fees are charged. If a snow emergency is declared, free parking in County garages will be extended beyond noon on Monday, Feb. 23.
During a snow emergency, in accordance with the County Code, County residents are advised of the following requirements:
- Parking is prohibited on snow emergency routes and in snow emergency lots.
- Parking on other streets is permitted between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, on the even side of any street or highway (even street numbers) .
- Parking is permitted between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays on the odd side of any street or highway (odd street numbers).
- During a snow emergency period, parking prohibitions, such as prohibited parking on one side of the street for the entire block, will be superseded by the day of week provisions described above during the snow emergency period.
- Any vehicle parked and left unattended in violation of these provisions may be removed and impounded.
- Fees for County parking garages will be waived during a County declared snow emergency. Residents may park in County garages and are encouraged to use them for off-street parking until the snow emergency is ended, as declared by a follow-up press release.
In addition, taxicabs providing service are permitted to charge an additional $2.50 per trip.
Separately, the state declares snow emergencies for state roads, typically identified by roadways with numbers (for example, Rockville Pike/355). This issuance does not have the same parking restrictions on County roads, nor does it waive County parking fees.
No decision has been made currently regarding changes to Ride On bus service on Monday, Jan. 24. Visit www.RideOnBus.com for service updates and additional information.
MCDOT plows primary and emergency roads first, to ensure emergency vehicles have access within a quarter mile to residents. Once precipitation stops and those roads are clear, residential roads are plowed. Once the plowing operation is complete, plows are directed to treat any missed areas or roads that require additional treatment. Residents can request plow services only after the initial plowing operation is complete, as indicated on the snow portal page. Snow-related service requests received after initial plowing operations are complete will be addressed first since requests received before initial plowing operations are complete are often addressed during the operation.
Residents may check the Montgomery County Snow Portal throughout the storm for storm response updates and any service adjustments for the Ride On bus system. The Snow Portal will be updated at regular intervals during storm operations. Please note that MC311 service requests for snow clearing will not be taken during the plowing phase.
Outside of MC311 operating hours, residents can call the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000, to report fallen trees blocking the roadway and other non-emergency concerns. For health-related emergencies or active downed power lines, dial 911. Plows are available to assist emergency vehicles if needed
Ride On service level changes will also be posted at the top of the portal page, providing riders with status updates on local bus service. All County buses are zero-fare, and bus routes are plowed as primary routes.
In incidents of severe weather, Ride On may implement a system-wide reduced bus schedule change for the safety of riders and drivers, and to keep streets clear for snow removal crews. Ride On may reduce weekday service to a weekend schedule or, in more extreme weather, an S schedule. All Ride On service changes are announced by 4 a.m. the day the plan will go into effect.
Ride On bus riders are encouraged to check for service adjustment announcements before their trips. Riders can use the Ride On Trip Planner app for individual bus arrival information.
Residents should also sign up for Alert Montgomery to receive alerts regarding weather alerts and other emergency information. The Alert Montgomery System provides accurate and immediate emergency notifications from Montgomery County via text and email.
For the most up-to-date Ride On bus service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and YouTube. In addition, information is available at rideonbus.com, and by subscribing to receive text alerts by texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 62463.
For information on MCDOT programs and services, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram, including active weather response information, and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.
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Media Contact: Emily DeTitta 240-372-2282
Categories: Snow