Weather Closings In Howard County For March 2

HOWARD COUNTY, MD – Public schools in Howard County are closed on Friday, March 2, officials announced Friday morning. After-school activities, including high school athletic practices and games, are canceled.

School offices opened at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 2, according to the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS). A mix of rain and snow showers was in the forecast before 10 a.m., with nearly 40 mph winds.

Howard County government was on liberal leave Friday morning.

Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services Bain 50+ Center was closed due to loss of power.

Howard Community College opened at noon.

MARC train service has been suspended due to the weather conditions on Friday, March 2.

A high wind warning is in effect for the Baltimore-Washington region until 6 a.m. on Saturday, March 3. Sustained winds will be 25 to 45 mph, with gusts from 55 to 70 mph. During the warning period, authorities have cautioned people about dangerous driving conditions, flying projectiles and potential power outages.

Wind gusts of 52 mph were recorded at BWI, the National Weather Service advised after 7 a.m. Weather officials said gusts could reach up to 80 mph west of Interstate 95.

"This will be a prolonged, high-impact windstorm for the region, with many downed trees and power lines expected. In addition to the magnitude of the high wind gusts, the duration of the winds will add to the hazardous nature of this event, as winds will continue through the weekend before diminishing below 30 mph Sunday afternoon," the National Weather Service said in a special statement. "This will hamper the repair of power lines and tree removal."

Officials said that widespread power outages had been reported, and travel is dangerous for both high-profile vehicles and pedestrians, who should be aware of flying objects.

More than 5,400 people were without power after 6 p.m. in Howard County, according to BGE; that was an increase from earlier in the day, when 2,000 were experiencing outages Friday morning as of 8:20 a.m.

"People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches," the National Weather Service said. "If possible, remain in the lower levels of your homes during the windstorm, and avoid windows. If you use a portable generator, follow manufacturer`s instructions and do not use inside homes, garages or apartments."

In addition to Howard County, schools in Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Montgomery, Prince George's counties and Baltimore City are closed on Friday. Cecil and Harford county schools earlier than usual.

Image via Shutterstock.

This article has been corrected to reflect that the weather alert issued is a high wind warning.