Press Releases
Montgomery County February 2026 Snow Update #2: Plowing Update, Downed Trees Being Addressed
For Immediate Release: Monday, February 23, 2026
Snow has covered roads with accumulations as high as 6.9 inches for some northern parts of Montgomery County and strong wind gusts remain with speeds as high as 40 mph.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has received reports for about 200 trees down or on wires across the County. MCDOT crews are working with Pepco to respond to these reports. Additionally, crews have begun plowing residential roadways and clearing the 100 or so miles of sidewalk that are under MCDOT responsibility. All 5,400 lane miles are estimated to be complete by late this evening.
County parking garages in downtown areas of Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton that offered free residential parking during the storm will begin enforcing parking fees at noon today, Monday, Feb. 23. Mobile apps Passport and Park Mobile can be used to add funds to meters remotely.
A reminder to residents to clear snow off sidewalks in front of homes during daylight hours today, as temperatures will dip overnight and snow will freeze making removal more difficult. Residents are responsible for clearing sidewalks in front of their property within 24 hours after the snowfall has ended.
Ride On buses are currently operating on a regular schedule. Riders should check RideOnBus.com for schedule delays.
During a snow event, 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. After 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 plowing operations are complete will be prioritized since earlier requests are often addressed during the initial plowing operation.
Residents may visit the Montgomery County Snow Portal to find out who is responsible for plowing their street, storm response updates, and to submit a service request. The Snow Portal will be updated at regular intervals during storm operations. Please note that service requests for snow clearing made to the County’s customer service call center, MC311, will not be taken during the plowing phase. However, 311 is taking calls for downed trees in the right of way. Contact MC311 by calling 3-1-1 (within the County) or 240-777-0311. Residents can also contact them online at MC311.com.
Outside of MC311 operating hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, 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.
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, Transportation