Update at 5:55am:

CODE RED – Schools and Offices Closed

All Howard County public schools and offices are closed, including the Digital Education Center.

All evening activities involving HCPSS students and staff are canceled.In addition, all community-sponsored programs in HCPSS buildings are canceled and the HCPSS staff COVID-19 testing program sites are closed.

###

The following was shared by Howard County Public School System on Twitter:

For 1/3/22 – Code Orange: Due to forecasted inclement weather, all Howard County public schools are closed, including the DEC; Offices will be open; liberal leave in effect. Details: https://status.hcpss.org

---

Here is what is listed on the HCPSS website:

CODE ORANGE – Schools Closed; Offices Open with Liberal Leave in Effect

All Howard County public schools are closed Monday, January 3, including the Digital Education Center. Offices are opening late, with liberal leave in effect.

All evening activities involving HCPSS students and staff are canceled. In addition, all community-sponsored programs in HCPSS buildings are canceled. If there is a Board of Education meeting scheduled, it is canceled and will be rescheduled at a later date.

---

Here is the current weather forecast for Columbia:

Overnight: Snow. Low around 28. North wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Monday: Snow, mainly before 1pm. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 34. North wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 17. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light after midnight.

Scott E