Arctic Blast Disrupts D.C. Region: Schools Close, Roads Icy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. Thursday as a blast of arctic air grips the Washington, D.C., region, including parts of Maryland and northern Virginia. Wind chills are expected to plummet to between zero and 10 degrees below zero, creating hazardous conditions for residents and commuters.

FOX 5 meteorologist Taylor Grenda reported a chance of flurries on Tuesday and a slight chance of snow showers before midnight. The lingering effects of Sunday night’s snowfall, combined with freezing temperatures, have left many roads icy and dangerous, prompting widespread school delays and closures across the region.

Harford County Public Schools and Howard County Public Schools announced closures due to icy road conditions. Queen Anne’s County Public Schools will also remain closed under a Code Blue protocol, which is activated during extreme cold to protect vulnerable populations.

Garrett County Public Schools opted for Synchronous Virtual Learning Days on Tuesday and Wednesday, allowing students to attend live online classes. Meanwhile, Coppin State University, Harford Community College, and Towson University‘s Northeast Campus will open at 10 a.m. Bowie State University, however, will remain closed due to unforeseen circumstances during a scheduled power outage.

Officials urged residents to exercise caution while traveling, as many secondary roads remain untreated. “The combination of snow, ice, and extreme cold is making travel extremely hazardous,” said a spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Transportation. “We advise everyone to stay home if possible.”

The arctic blast is expected to persist through Thursday morning, with temperatures gradually rising later in the week. Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather updates and school announcements for further changes.