Weather Alert: HCPSS Cancels Afternoon, Evening Activities

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — All after-school and evening activities are canceled, Howard County Public School System officials announced on Thursday, Jan. 17. The weather forecast prompted the decision, officials said in a statement.

Both school and community-sponsored activities, including athletic practices and games, are canceled in Howard County public schools.

Child care programs will remain open, including those sponsored by the Columbia Association and the Department of Recreation & Parks in Howard County public schools, according to the announcement.

Cancellation of afternoon and evening activities came as the National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for Howard County that calls for 1 to 2 inches of snow. The advisory says that drivers should plan for slippery road conditions for the evening commute and particularly after the sun sets when temps dip below freezing. Sidewalks may also be slick.

The winter weather advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, to 4 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 18.

In addition, the National Weather Service also issued a hazardous weather outlook through the weekend due to a potential storm that may bring extremely cold conditions.

"There is an enhanced threat for a winter storm for most areas Saturday and Saturday night. Wintry precipitation may continue into Sunday. The primary threat is disruption to travel," the hazardous weather outlook states. "Bitterly cold wind chills are expected Sunday night into Monday morning. Wind chills may approach 20 below zero over the mountains late Sunday night and Monday morning."

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