Baltimore County Public Schools announced closures on Tuesday, January 27, and Wednesday, January 28, due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions. The back-to-back closures affect more than 111,000 diverse students across 176 schools in the region.
A major winter storm hit the Baltimore area on Sunday, leaving behind treacherous conditions. The Baltimore area woke Monday to just shy of a foot of snow, and subzero wind chills gripped the region Tuesday morning. Road crews are still working around the clock to clear neighborhood streets and side roads, making it unsafe for the fleet of school buses that transport more than 77,000 students twice each day.
Beyond just snow removal, icy conditions continue to present major safety risks. County officials prioritized clearing main highways first, but residential streets still need significant attention. The January 27 Board of Education meeting has been rescheduled to February 2 at 6:30pm.
After three full-day closures, BCPS will transition to virtual learning days if additional inclement weather is forecasted. This means families should stay tuned to official BCPS channels for updates on whether the district moves to remote instruction instead of full closures. The winter months always bring uncertainty, so parents are encouraged to review BCPS's inclement weather plan and the system's process for emergency notifications.
For now, students and families are enjoying an unexpected break as cleanup efforts continue across Baltimore County. Stay safe out there—and check the official BCPS website for the latest updates on whether schools return Thursday.