HCPSS Makes Weather Decision For Dec. 15

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — All Howard County public schools will open two hours late Thursday while all morning sessions of half-day pre-K and RECC are canceled. School offices will open late.

School bus pick up times will be two hours later than normal. All morning childcare programs in HCPSS schools that are sponsored by the Columbia Association and the Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks will be delayed two hours.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for much of Maryland. The alert lasts until 1 p.m. Thursday.

The meteorologists called for freezing rain with total ice accumulations somewhere between a glaze and 0.1 inches. The highest ice totals "will be in the northern and western suburbs of Washington and Baltimore, where sleet could mix in."

"Plan on slippery road conditions," the National Weather Service said in its advisory. "The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning commute."

Warmer air should arrive later Thursday morning and afternoon, changing the precipitation to rain.

"Slow down and use caution while traveling," the National Weather Service said. "When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury."

Visit weather.gov/lwx/ to see the latest forecast.