The Pocomoke Public Eye: 2/22/26

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Pocomoke City declares Local State of Emergency-

CITY OF POCOMOKE – WINTER WEATHER EMERGENCY NOTICE

Due to the approaching winter storm system forecasted to impact our region, Pocomoke City has declared a Local State of Emergency effective 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

This declaration is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of our residents and to allow City staff to respond quickly and efficiently to changing weather conditions. The emergency status will remain in place until officially rescinded by the City of Pocomoke City or superseded by further action from the State of Maryland.

City Operations

All essential municipal services will continue operating, and our Public Works crews will be actively monitoring conditions and preparing equipment for snow and ice response.

Road Treatment & Snow Removal

Once snowfall begins, Public Works will prioritize primary roads, critical corridors, and designated emergency routes. Residential streets will be addressed after major roadways are safely passable. Plowing of neighborhood streets will occur when snowfall accumulation reaches approximately four inches or more.

Residents who live along designated snow emergency routes are asked to remove vehicles from the roadway by 2:00 p.m. Sunday to allow plows and emergency vehicles unobstructed access.

We strongly encourage residents to remain off the roads during heavy snowfall unless travel is absolutely necessary.

Sidewalks & Fire Hydrants

Property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks bordering their property within 24 hours after snowfall ends. A minimum cleared width of four feet is required to maintain safe pedestrian access.

If there is a fire hydrant near your property, please clear a three-foot radius around it to ensure quick access for emergency responders.

Important Reminders

• Do not shovel, blow, or push snow into public streets.

• Keep driveways clear of plow snow only after crews have passed through.

• Stay tuned to official City communication channels for updates.

For snow emergency route maps and ongoing storm updates, please visit the official City of Pocomoke City website or follow the City’s Facebook page for real-time information.

The safety of our residents remains our highest priority. Please take all necessary precautions, check on elderly neighbors, and prepare for potential power outages.

SNOW & BLIZZARD CONDITIONS ON LOWER EASTERN SHORE-

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
1236 AM EST Sun Feb 22 2026

Dorchester-Wicomico-Somerset-Inland Worcester-

Maryland Beaches-

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7
PM EST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected with total snow accumulations
  between 12 and 16 inches with localized higher amounts possible.
  Winds gusting as high as 45 to 50 mph with gusts as high as 60 mph
  along the Atlantic coastline.

* WHERE...Dorchester, Inland Worcester, Maryland Beaches, Somerset,
  and Wicomico Counties.

* WHEN...From 1 PM this afternoon to 7 PM EST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes.
  Gusty winds could bring down tree branches and powerlines.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel,
have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with
your vehicle. Call 511 for road information.

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
1236 AM EST Sun Feb 22 2026

Accomack-

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7
PM EST MONDAY...


* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected with total snow accumulations
  between 5 and 8 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 to 50 mph
  with gusts as high as 55 mph along the Atlantic coastline.

* WHERE...Accomack County.

* WHEN...From 1 PM this afternoon to 7 PM EST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Widespread blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions
  could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds
  could bring down tree branches and powerlines.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel,
have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with
your vehicle. Call 511 for road information.

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
1236 AM EST Sun Feb 22 2026

Northampton-

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7
PM EST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected with total snow accumulations
  between 4 and 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph.

* WHERE...Northampton County.

* WHEN...From 1 PM this afternoon to 7 PM EST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions
  could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds
  could bring down tree branches and powerlines.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel,
have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with
your vehicle. Call 511 for road information.

See current forecasts and NOAA Weather statements at links below.

(Link to forecast and advisories, lower E.S. Md:)

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=38.0722&lon=-75.5638

(Link to forecast and advisories, E.S. Va:)

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.7108&lon=-75.742

SNOWSTORM IMPACT-

Pocomoke City Police Dept

According to the National Weather Service, Storm impacts may include heavy snow, strong winds, coastal flooding and white out conditions. Please do not drive, if you have an emergency call 911 but be mindful of conditions and the dangerous conditions to first responders.

Also note: Do not park on Market Street in Pocomoke due to snowplows.

Worcester County Department of Emergency Services:

SNOWSTORM CHECKLIST-

DES reminds residents that life-threatening conditions can set in quickly and encourages everyone to take precautions:

• Keep phones charged to receive weather updates and emergency alerts.

• Stock at least three days’ worth of non-perishable food, water, and medications.

• Move parked vehicles, trash cans, and other obstructions off roadways.

• Check on elderly or vulnerable residents.

• Know who to contact in the case of a power outage.

• Protect pets from the elements by bringing them indoors and provide access to unfrozen water.

• Protect plumbing by allowing a thin, continuous stream of cold water—about the thickness of a pencil lead—to run from faucets during prolonged subfreezing temperatures.

• Use portable heating sources only as directed by manufacturers, keep combustible materials at least three feet away, and never operate generators indoors or in attached garages.

Weather impact on activities- (including schools)

Due to inclement weather conditions, Worcester County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, February 23, 2026. All afterschool, evening, and Adult Education classes are also canceled.

Due to inclement weather, Somerset County Public Schools will implement a Virtual Learning Day on Monday, February 23, 2026. All after-school activities are canceled.

Due to the predicted weather forecast and out of an abundance of caution, tomorrow, February 23, will be a virtual learning day for all Accomack County public school students, employee code 1.

Due to inclement weather, Wicomico County Public Schools and Central Office will be closed on Monday, February 23, 2026. Please be careful and stay safe.

(Check these links for additional closings/delays affected by the weather.)

Closings | wboc.com

Shore Daily News - Shore Daily News

Time Machine: 100 years ago this week in Pocomoke's newspaper; 1969, 2007.

(New Pocomoke CC formed in conjunction with newly organized Delmarva Eastern Shore Association.)

(excerpt)

October 1969

Worcester Democrat

*October 2007

(Enjoying the recent Pocomoke City block party are, from left, James McGinley, 11, Kristian Trader, 12, Cora Parkis, 12, and Brittany Tedder, 12. All of Pocomoke City.)

Salisbury Daily Times

tkforppe@yahoo.com