Westminster, MD, Thursday, February 18, 2021 – After an evaluation of weather conditions this morning, Carroll County Government offices are now closed today, Thursday, February 18, 2021. Today’s Carroll County Board of Commissioner Open Session is canceled with agenda items rescheduled to Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 9:00 AM.

The Resource Recovery Park (Northern Landfill) is now closed.   

The Carroll Transit System and Trailblazer are closed.

County and state roads crews are working hard to clear the roads with the storm continuing through the day. With the roads colder due to recent temperatures, snow may accumulate more quickly and pack on roadways. Residents should stay off the roads if possible and take great caution on roadways and walking areas if traveling. Please remember to remove snow and ice from vehicles and be careful around snow removal vehicles.  Freezing temperatures are in the forecast so continue to watch for black ice and slippery areas for the next several days.

Due to the length of the storm, please check for updates tomorrow before visiting any county sites.

Official Forecast Information: https://www.weather.gov/lwx/winter

Winter Weather Preparedness Tips: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

Additional winter weather safety information is available in the Carroll County Citizens Guide to Emergency Preparedness:  https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/public-safety/emergency-management/citizens-guide-to-emergency-preparedness/

For those seeking shelter: Human Services Programs of Carroll County is operating a temporary shelter located at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 17 Bond St. in Westminster.  This is a 24-hour shelter that serves as a Day Center during daytime hours. The day center is a drop-in center that offers activities, access to charging stations, shelter from the weather, case management services, televisions and also serves as a warming center during extreme temperature weather events. The shelter phone number is 443-201-3428.  There are no admissions between 10pm and 8am.  You must be able to negotiate 12 steps for access to the building. If this is not possible, please call staff at the Adult Only Shelter (410-386-6679) who will provide an accessible alternative.

Services include a warm, safe place to sleep at night, case management/community resource connection assistance, nightly dinner, light breakfast items/snacks and hot beverages.

Participants are required to engage in a COVID screening process upon entry into the building with a positive screen requiring additional testing and services from outside medical staff. Face masks must be worn at all times, except when eating or sleeping. Participants must remain 6 feet apart from others.

Residents wishing to report snow related non-emergencies such as mailbox damage should use the county’s See Click Report site and mobile app.

For more information on local cold weather resources, including energy assistance, visit the Carroll County Health Department cold weather webpage or check out the Carroll County Health Department on Facebook.