Columbia Weather Watch: Closings, Trash Schedule, Road Conditions

Columbia and the rest of Howard County are under a winter storm warning from 3:40 p.m. Monday to noon Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service, which said 6 to 10 inches of snow may fall.

Howard County Public Works: Trash collection will be delayed by one day due to inclement weather. Those scheduled for Tuesday pickup should put it out on Wednesday and so on for the rest of the week.

Tuesday School Closings

• The Howard County Public School System has closed schools and canceled all after-school events and activities on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
• Howard Community College will be closed on Tuesday.
• Maryland School for the Deaf is closed Tuesday. Liberal leave is in effect for faculty administrators and non-emergency essential support staff. By noon, the school will announce whether residential halls will remain closed Tuesday evening.
• Goddard School of Columbia will open at 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

Other Closings, Delays

• Howard County has declared a snow emergency, so vehicles may not be parked in designated snow routes.
• The Columbia Association’s inclement weather policy is in effect. Programs, classes or activities before noon on Tuesday, Feb. 17, are canceled. Columbia Gym, Columbia Athletic Club, Haven on the Lake and Columbia Swim Center will open at 10 a.m. Supreme Sports Club will remain open. KidSpace will open by 10 a.m.
• Howard County Circuit Court will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
• Howard County Public Library branches will be closed on Tuesday.
• Claret Hall in River Hill will open at noon, weather permitting.

Travel Conditions Hazardous

Transportation officials advised citizens not to travel Tuesday if possible. “Stay home,”said State Highway Administration spokesman Charlie Gischlar, just before 5 a.m. He noted pavement temperatures were low (in the teens), snow was continuing to fall and roads may be icy.

• Fatal Crash Closes Route 97 at Howard/Montgomery Line

At 7:20 a.m., the National Weather Service reported that snow was tapering off in most of the region and would end by mid-morning. Conditions are hazardous and roads are slippery, the weather service reported. Those who must travel should allow for extra time and be careful on snow-packed or untreated roads.

Howard County Roadway Tips

Don’t park your car in the street, especially on a cul-de-sac, advises the Howard County Department of Public Works. Parking on a cul-de-sac makes snow removal “nearly impossible,” according to the department. Park in a driveway if possible.

Wait to shovel until the street has been completely cleared; a snow plow could end up putting snow back when it goes by.

Check state roads and Howard County updates.

Monday Closings, Cancellations

• Howard Community College is closing at 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16.
• The Columbia Association has canceled fitness classes after 7 p.m. on Monday.
• Columbia Athletic Club will close at 10 p.m.
• Columbia Gym will close at 10 p.m with the pool closing at 9:30 p.m.
• Supreme Sports Club will continue to be open; however, the pool will close at 9:30 p.m.
• Haven on the Lake and The Still Point at Haven on the Lake will close at 9 p.m.
• The Maryland School for the Deaf in Columbia has closed its residence halls on Monday, Feb. 16, due to the anticipated inclement weather, and liberal leave is in effect for nonemergency employees.
• Howard County public schools are closed Monday for Presidents Day, which is a federal holiday.
• Monday night’s Hickory Ridge Village Board meeting has been canceled.

Related:

• More Snow on the Way to Columbia
• Howard County Public Schools Make Weather Announcement