MARYLAND — Maryland could be facing more than just another snowfall this weekend — the next winter storm threatens to upend school schedules statewide as heavy snow continues to pile up and communities dig out from earlier storms.
Forecasters are closely watching a powerful coastal system expected to impact Maryland Sunday afternoon through Monday morning, with accumulating snow that could make travel hazardous and force school closures or delays across numerous counties.
Major Winter Storm Warning in Effect
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for large swaths of Maryland, including Carroll, Northern Baltimore, Cecil, Southern Baltimore, Anne Arundel, St. Mary’s, Calvert, Northwest Howard, Central and Southeast Howard, Northwest Harford, and Southeast Harford counties, from 3 p.m. Sunday through 10 a.m. Monday.
Meteorologists predict 4–8 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts near 12 inches possible across northeast Maryland, and gusty winds up to 35 mph that could blow snow and reduce visibility. This type of snowfall typically leads to slick roads and hazardous travel, especially on bridges and overpasses.
School Closures Likely Across Maryland
With snow expected to begin Sunday afternoon and continue overnight into Monday, school districts are already preparing for potential multi-day closures next week. The combination of heavy snow, reduced visibility, and cold, icy conditions on untreated roads Monday morning could lead superintendents across Maryland to cancel classes, delay openings, or dismiss early depending on storm severity and how quickly roads can be cleared.
While no statewide list of shutdowns is yet official, storm forecasts and local weather updates suggest Monday closures or late openings are likely in many districts if snow accumulates as expected, making morning travel unsafe for buses and student drivers.
Context: A Season of Snow Disruptions
This winter has already forced schools to shut their doors more than once. Following a late January storm that dropped 6–12 inches of snow in parts of the state, including Baltimore and surrounding counties, multiple Maryland school systems remained closed or delayed into the following week due to icy road conditions.
The memory of those closures — from Baltimore city schools to public districts throughout the Mid-Atlantic — makes educators and families especially alert to the threat of this next round of winter weather, which models show could produce several inches across the metro region and even more in higher-impact areas.
Planning for Delays and Extended Snow Days
School systems in Maryland typically decide on closures or delayed openings by early morning (often by 5:30 a.m.) based on road conditions and forecasts. Districts employ notification systems, email alerts, and local news announcements to inform parents of decisions.
If snow totals hit the upper range of forecasts, some districts could shift to remote learning or use a series of snow daysnext week, pushing calendars later into the year. Schools may also have to make up lost instruction time if closures extend beyond planned weather days.
Safety and Preparedness
Officials urge families to prepare now: stock essential supplies, monitor local weather updates, and plan for possible interruptions to school routines. With accumulating snow expected Sunday night into Monday morning, parents should expect calls or alerts early Monday on whether schools will open, delay, or remain closed.
Updated forecasts, school closing announcements, and hazard advisories will continue to be released as the storm approaches, and residents are advised to stay tuned to local media and district communication channels for the latest information.
