The National Weather Service is forecasting a significant winter storm for our region, with heavy snow and sleet beginning Saturday, January 24, and continuing through the weekend. Current projections suggest more than 10 inches of snow, which could create hazardous travel conditions and impact City services. Now is the time to prepare and help keep our community safe.
Prepare Ahead of the Storm
Please take a few steps now to get ready:
Park cars in driveways if possible, or as close to the curb as you can by Friday to help snowplows clear streets efficiently. Have snow shovels and ice melt on hand to treat sidewalks and driveways. Stay tuned for updates via City channels, social media, and email alerts at www.collegeparkmd.gov/connect. Sign up for text alerts: text “CPALERTS” to 38276 for emergency alerts, or “COLLEGE PARK” to 38276 for general updates. Visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/alerts and www.collegeparkmd.gov/snow for the latest information and winter tips.
Help City Snow Plows Do Their Job
With heavy snowfall expected, keeping streets clear is critical. Please park off-street whenever possible before the storm begins. If you don’t have a driveway, park as close to the curb as you can. And don’t forget: residents and businesses must clear all sidewalks on their property within 24 hours after the snow event ends.
Changes to Trash & Recycling Collection
For the safety of our solid waste crews, there will be no collections on Monday, January 26. Services will shift one day later that week:
Monday → Tuesday, January 27 Tuesday → Wednesday, January 28 Wednesday → Thursday, January 29
Special brush and bulky item collections will only be scheduled for Friday, January 30. To schedule, call 240-487-3590 or email publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov before placing items at the curb.
Walk (and Drive) With Care
Snow, sleet, and freezing temperatures mean icy and slippery sidewalks and driveways. Limit travel if you can, take your time when walking, and be extra cautious on untreated surfaces.
Winter Ready: Safety Tips
To help you prepare and stay safe:
Winterize your home with insulation and weather stripping; protect pipes with insulation or heat tape. Disconnect outdoor hoses and cover exterior faucets. Keep your home heated to at least 55°F. Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Stock up on essentials in case of power outages (food, water, medications, batteries, pet supplies). If you must go outside, dress in layers and cover exposed skin; watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Check on neighbors—especially seniors and those who may need extra help. Know where to go if your home becomes too cold; Prince George’s County has warming centers available.
Shoveling Smart
Avoid overexertion to reduce the risk of heart attack—take breaks and pace yourself. Need help? Neighbors Helping Neighbors–College Park, a local volunteer organization, assists aging and disabled residents with tasks like snow shoveling. Call 301-222-3434 or visit nhn-cp.org to request help or volunteer. Shovel snow to the right (facing the street) to prevent it from being pushed back onto the roadway. Work with neighbors to clear storm drains and fire hydrants—this helps prevent flooding and speeds emergency response.
The City of College Park will continue to monitor the storm and share updates as conditions evolve. Please stay safe, look out for one another, and thank you for doing your part to help our community weather the storm. ❄️