Weather Decision Has Been Made By HCPSS For May 16 With Stormy Forecast Looming

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A code yellow has been issued by the Howard County Public School System. All HCPSS buildings, including the Digital Education Center, will close three hours early today due to impending severe weather.

All aftercare programs sponsored by the Columbia Association and the county department of recreation and parks in HCPSS schools are canceled. All evening activities involving HCPSS students and staff are canceled and all community-sponsored programs in HCPSS buildings are canceled.

The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook Monday morning that calls for numerous severe thunderstorms to roll into the area throughout the afternoon and early evening. Wind speed could reach 10 to 15 mph this evening with gusts up to 25 mph.

"Anyone who plans on traveling or being outdoors today should pay extra attention to any watches and warnings," the National Weather Service said in its forecast. "Be ready to seek shelter quickly."

The National Weather Service also said there is a chance of isolated floods and flash floods.

"Damaging winds are the primary threat, but large hail and isolated tornadoes are possible as well," the agency wrote in its hazardous weather outlook. "The best chance for severe storms will be between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m."

To see the latest weather forecast, visit weather.gov/lwx.