Message from Town Administrator Galloway Regarding Winter Storm Fern and Updates
The Town Administrator has issued the following statement to inform the community about Winter Storm Fern and ongoing preparedness efforts.
Cheverly Official Statement -Fern
Greetings Cheverly Community,
As we cope with lingering harsh temperatures and our work to clear the ice and snow continues, I want to acknowledge the challenges of Winter Storm Fern, extend my gratitude for the hard work of our team under unprecedented conditions, and provide a status update.
While our team has been working diligently, I want to apologize to the residents who live on streets which did not receive the service they rightly expected. I understand the frustration this caused, and I appreciate the residents who reached out so we could promptly address the problems. I have reviewed these matters directly with staff, and we are already working on improvements to ensure our response is stronger, more consistent, and reliable moving forward.
Improvements include:
- Having more salt on hand
- Opening an emergency operations center during severe weather
- In the event of equipment failures, having contractors on standby
- Department of Public Works crews plowing a wider path on roadways
I would like to thank staff who worked tirelessly around the clock, doing everything they could under difficult and exhausting conditions to keep our streets as safe and passable as possible. Town staff reported to work early on Saturday, January 24, to prepare for the storm. Plowing operations began around 1:00 a.m. and, as I indicated, are still occurring in some areas. Crews will continue this work until all streets are cleared enough for safe two-way travel in every lane.
Despite our challenges, there were important successes that reflect the heart of Cheverly:
• Partnered with the Mayor and Council to identify seniors needing help with steps and walkways • Shovel crews worked nonstop so residents could reach critical medical appointments • Conducted house checks to ensure neighbor safety and wellbeing • Connected unhoused individuals with shelter and food resources • Assisted residents with stuck vehicles whenever possible
Times like this remind us of the true value of Cheverly is how we care for one another. When neighbors help neighbors, our community becomes stronger, safer, and more connected.
Town Service Updates
As recovery efforts continue, I would like to share the following important operational updates for the coming days:
Building Operations
The Town Gym will be open this weekend for normal operations and scheduled events. When coming into the gym, please be mindful of the ice and salt being trekked into the building.
Trash and Recycling Collection
The Department of Public Works expects to resume curbside trash and recycling collection next week. The schedule is as follows:
- Monday, February 2, 2026 – East Side trash collection
- Tuesday, February 3, 2026 – West Side trash collection
- Wednesday, February 4, 2026 – Town wide recycling collection
- Thursday, February 5, 2026 – East Side trash collection
- Friday, February 6, 2026 – West Side trash collection
Due to icy conditions expected to persist throughout the week, back-door service will not be available on the dates listed above. Residents who normally receive back-door service are asked to please seek assistance from a neighbor to bring bins to the curb.
Please also note that yard waste and bulk trash collection will be canceled next week.
Weather Outlook This Weekend
As we continue recovery efforts, I also want to make residents aware that we are expecting very strong winds on Sunday as a nor’easter moves off the coast.
- Early clouds giving way to sun, but very windy
- High temperatures: 25–30 degrees
- Northwest winds: 15–20 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph
Northerly wind gusts over 40 mph are possible, which will create dangerously low wind chills. Please continue to cover all exposed skin outdoors to avoid frostbite and/or hypothermia, and use caution around trees, power lines, and unsecured outdoor items.
Please be courteous neighbors as the ice melts and be mindful of street parking.
Thank you for your patience, your understanding, and your continued support of Town staff. We will continue working together to keep Cheverly safe, resilient, and prepared for whatever comes next.
Please continue to report any concerns to townhall@cheverly-md.gov, and in the case of an emergency, call 911.
With gratitude,
Dylan
Dylan O. GallowayTown AdministratorTown of Cheverly, Maryland