Harford Co. Schools Alters Friday Schedule Due To Incoming Storm

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Due to the forecasted Arctic front set to move into Maryland with brutally cold temperatures, high winds and more snow, Harford County Public Schools and offices will close three hours early.

AM Early Learners and Learning Together students will go home on the bus they rode to school, officials said. There will not be any PM early learners or learning together.

There won't be any after school activities and after school daycare will have one hour for pick-up.

"The impact of the weather forecast impacts our normal scheduled dismissal," said HCPS spokesperson Jillian Lader.

Any change from the normal school schedule as a result of inclement weather will be communicated through the school's rapid telephone notification system, email, text message, Facebook, Twitter and provided to radio and television stations for broadcast. In addition, changes to the normal schedule will be listed on the HCPS website at www.hcps.org.

The direct blast of frigid air will surge south Friday into Saturday, affecting more than 100 million people across multiple states, including Maryland. The harshest conditions are expected during the first half of the weekend, with snow and the strongest winds accompanying the system, according to forecasters.

Friday should start off sunny before giving way to afternoon clouds, according to The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang.

"Afternoon snow showers arrive earliest in western areas, then perhaps nearer late afternoon or sunset around the Beltway," the Capital Weather Gang wrote. "Highs in the low to mid-30s should limit accumulations to a dusting."

The best chance for snow will be between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and could impact the Friday evening commute.

"If this threat does materialize, any untreated roads could quickly turn snow-covered and slippery. This could lead to hazardous traveling conditions," forecasters said. "If commuting this afternoon and evening, be aware of the possibility of significant travel disruptions."

Snow showers will be hit-or-miss into the evening hours as the Arctic front approaches. Up to a half-inch of snow is possible for the Baltimore region, forecasters said.

Related:

Below-Zero Wind Chills, Snow Squalls In Brutal Weekend Forecast: MD Warnings Issued