The State of Maryland
Executive Department

EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2025.02

Declaration of a State of Emergency - Winter Storm

WHEREAS, The State of Maryland is subject to a variety of hazards and disasters, including an impending emergency as defined in Section 14-l0l(c) of the Public Safety Article of the Maryland Code;

WHEREAS, Having been advised and informed by the Maryland Department of Emergency Management that, as a result of a significant winter storm expected to impact the State beginning late Sunday night, January 5, 2025, and continuing through Monday, January 6, 2025 including the risk of icing, hazardous road conditions, limited visibility from blowing snow, power outage and sustained temperatures below freezing persisting through the end of next week, action is needed to prepare to protect the lives and property of Maryland residents and visitors.

WHEREAS,  Because of the potential impacts of this severe weather and in preparation for all contingencies, an emergency exists statewide;

WHEREAS,  Transportation, power utility, water utility, and other critical infrastructures may be negatively affected by the impacts of the storm;

WHEREAS,  State and local government agencies may require additional resources and support to implement proactive actions and meet the public safety and welfare need of Maryland residents who may be negatively impacted by the consequences of the storm and require sheltering due to power outages, transportation disruptions, and other unforeseen impacts of winter weather.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WES MOORE, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF MARYLAND, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO TITLE 14 OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY ARTICLE OF THE MARYLAND CODE, AND BASED ON THE ABOVE FINDINGS, HEREBY DECLARE THAT A STATE OF EMERGENCY EXISTS IN THE STATE AND THAT PREPARATIONS MUST BE MADE FOR THE ANTICIPATED SIGNIFICANT WINTER STORM EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JANUARY 5, AND HEREBY PROCLAIM THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:

1. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management is hereby directed to coordinate the State preparedness and response to impacts of the winter storm.
2. BAll other appropriate State authorities are hereby authorized to activate their emergency preparedness plans and engage, deploy, use, and coordinate available resources in furtherance of those plans.
3. The Maryland National Guard is hereby called into state service.

GIVEN Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the State of Maryland, in the City of Annapolis, this 5th Day of January, 2025.

Wes Moore
Governor

Susan C. Lee
Secretary of State