Update: CODE RED — SCHOOL SYSTEM CLOSED Monday, Feb. 23. More information can be found here. Previous 2- hour delay announcement before the change to a closure can be seen below:
MCPS announced a two-hour delayed opening for Monday and said the decision will be re-evaluated early Monday morning, as snow began falling across parts of Montgomery County Sunday evening. The district cited slick roads, uneven impacts across the county, and concerns about staff travel.
According to MCPS, temperatures are warmer than during the previous storm, but snow and slush have already been reported on roads and sidewalks in some areas. While officials do not expect significant impacts south and west of I-495, they say much of the rest of the county could see dangerous travel conditions by Monday morning.
MCPS emphasized that conditions can vary widely across the county, and even if roads appear clear in one neighborhood, essential staff may be traveling from areas that are more heavily impacted. If staff are unable to reach schools safely, buildings cannot open.
The district does not expect the effects of the storm to linger for long, but said the delayed opening is intended to give road crews additional time to improve conditions and allow for safer travel. Families are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of a closure if conditions worsen.
Under the current Code Yellow status, schools and offices will open two hours late, with morning bus routes also operating on a two-hour delay. Emergency personnel will report as directed. Field trips and activities scheduled to begin at 10:30am or earlier are canceled, including programs at Thomas Edison High School of Technology. Infant and Toddler appointments before 10am are canceled, while appointments scheduled for 10am or later will proceed as planned.
Morning PreK, Head Start, and AM PreK Special Education programs are canceled, while afternoon PreK, Head Start, and PM PreK Special Education programs will operate on their regular schedules. Schools will dismiss at their normal time, and Community Use programs are expected to continue as scheduled. Childcare programs may operate as usual, though families are advised to check directly with their providers.
MCPS and Montgomery County officials are asking residents to help by moving vehicles from school parking lots, shoveling nearby sidewalks, and parking on the even-numbered side of streets to allow snow plows to pass more easily. County parking garages are free on Sunday, and parking enforcement will not begin until after 12pm Monday.
Families are encouraged to allow extra time for travel Monday morning and use caution, particularly student drivers. MCPS said any change to the current plan will be communicated by 5am Monday.
