The Threat Of Winter Weather Drove Some MD Schools To Close Thursday

MARYLAND — The threat of winter weather prompted several Maryland school districts to close Thursday.

Public schools canceled classes Thursday in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Howard and Montgomery counties due to the forecast.

Prince George's County students reported for virtual learning, while students in Baltimore City came to school as usual Thursday.

Despite a winter weather advisory calling for up to 2 inches of snow, not much snow materialized and stuck, due to temperatures that were above freezing during the morning rush hour.

Roads may be slippery as rain gives way to snow Thursday morning, so drivers should slow down and pedestrians should watch their steps, the National Weather Service advised, before arctic temperatures chill the region.

A crash involving an MTA bus and an Amazon truck snarled traffic on Interstate 95 in Baltimore City during the morning rush hour. Three lanes on I-95 south were closed from 8 to 9:45 a.m., resulting in backups for southbound travelers headed for the Fort McHenry Tunnel.

By 9 a.m., the National Weather Service canceled a winter weather advisory for the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area calling for up to 2 inches of snow. It had been set to expire at 11 a.m.

A winter weather advisory remains in effect for northern Baltimore, Cecil and northwest Harford counties until 11 a.m. Around 10 a.m., forecasters said a coating of snow could accumulate.

After 9 a.m., rain gave way to snow in Towson, according to the Providence Volunteer Fire Company, which shared a video of the changeover:

Across the state, temperatures are poised to plunge as an arctic front moves through the area.

Temperatures will remain below freezing through Saturday, with blustery conditions through the weekend.