Snow Is In The Forecast So How Many Inclement Weather Days Does HCPSS Have Left?

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — With more snow and potentially slick roads in the short-term forecast, where does the Howard County Public School System sit as far as snow days?

Brian Bassett, director of communications and engagement for the Howard County Public School System, told Patch that the school district has designated a total of five inclement weather days in its calendar. So far the school system has used three inclement weather days.

So what happens if a big storm slides into Maryland and requires additional inclement weather days?

"When days are required beyond what is allocated, we look for solutions within our calendar and then work with Maryland State Department of Education for any other solutions or waivers we may wish to pursue. Often, those solutions are dependent on when the inclement weather occurs and if we have available solutions already contained in our calendar," Bassett told Patch.

Two rounds of snow are forecast in the coming days before part of the polar vortex dips into the Lower 48 states, bringing bitter and dangerously cold temperatures to Maryland.

Snow showers could bring a coating of snow to area roadways Thursday afternoon and evening, potentially disrupting the evening commute, according to the National Weather Service. Not much accumulation is possible, but grassy surfaces could see a light coating.

Related: Polar Vortex To Bring 'Dangerous' Temps, Snow To MD

Another chance of snow is possible on Sunday and could follow light rain showers on Saturday. According to forecasters, the system could develop into a winter storm with the greatest chance for snowfall during the late morning hours into the afternoon.

"Some models have shown the potential for an inch or two of accumulation, but confidence in that is still pretty low," the Capital Weather Gang said in its latest forecast.