Harford County Public Schools closing 3 hours early today due to weather

Harford County Public Schools just announced a 3-hour early dismissal today, February 6, impacting nearly 38,000 students across the region. Snow showers arriving this afternoon posed enough risk to prompt the urgent action before adverse conditions worsen.

Why Schools Are Closing Early Today

Harford County Public Schools made the decision to dismiss 3 hours early on February 6 due to forecasted snow and deteriorating afternoon conditions. The light snow showers expected after 3 PM risk creating slick conditions, particularly during the critical evening commute window. School officials evaluated weather forecasts closely and determined early dismissal was the safest choice for buses and students.

According to the district’s inclement weather procedures, decisions regarding early dismissals are made as close to 9:30 AM as possible to provide maximum notice to families, staff, and parents. The announcement came multiple times throughout this morning to ensure all families received proper notification.

What Parents and Students Need to Know

AM Early Learners and Learning Together students will depart on the bus they rode to school this morning. There will be no PM early learners or Learning Together sessions, meaning all afterschool programs end for the day. Additionally, all afterschool activities are canceled, though afterschool daycare will remain open for one hour for pickup.

Half-day PreK students do not attend school on early dismissal dates. Parents should adjust pickup plans accordingly and allow extra time for bus routes, as increased traffic is anticipated during the compressed dismissal window across multiple schools and offices.

Baltimore Area Weather Threats and Timeline

The Baltimore region faces a challenging 36-hour period beginning this afternoon. Light snow showers are expected to begin around 3 PM Friday and continue scattered throughout the evening hours. Accumulations will remain light, with most areas receiving a dusting to 0.5 inches of snow, though untreated surfaces could show more visible accumulation.

Period	Conditions	Key Details
Friday Afternoon	Light Snow	After 3 PM, dusting to 0.5 inch
Friday Evening	Scattered Showers	Snow ends by 10-11 PM
Saturday Morning	High Winds	45-55 mph gusts, isolated 60 mph possible
Saturday All Day	Extreme Cold	Wind chill of minus 10 to minus 25 degrees

Saturday’s conditions escalate dramatically with a High Wind Warning from 4 AM to 7 PM. Wind gusts of 45-55 mph will create hazardous conditions, potentially causing power outages and tree damage. The combination of cold temperatures in the teens and single digits paired with fierce winds creates dangerous wind chills that could make outdoor exposure life-threatening.

“The wind will make it feel even colder, with dangerous wind chill values possible throughout the weekend, especially on Saturday, when the winds are strongest.”

— WBAL-TV 11 Weather Meteorologist

How Harford County Schools Stay Safe in Winter Weather

Harford County Public Schools operates a comprehensive inclement weather program that evaluates conditions daily when winter impacts the region. The district considers road conditions, visibility, temperature, and wind chill factors before making closure or early dismissal decisions. Staff members work behind the scenes to monitor National Weather Service updates and local road conditions starting early morning.

For notification, families can call 410-838-7300 or 1-866-588-4963 to hear recorded updates about closures and delays. The district also broadcasts information through local TV stations and maintains updates on its official website and social media channels, ensuring maximum reach across all 37,855 students and families.

What Should Parents Do During the Early Dismissal?

Parents with flexible work schedules should plan to be available to receive children arriving 3 hours earlier than normal. For families relying on afterschool care or activities, the cancellation of all PM programs means immediate pickup is necessary. Parents should verify their child’s bus arrival time by checking the school’s transportation office or app.

With snow arriving after 3 PM and roads potentially becoming slick by evening, drivers should exercise extreme caution during the early dismissal window. Extra traffic flow during the compressed timing could slow bus routes, and conditions will continue deteriorating as temperatures drop and snow accumulates into the night. Will your family be ready for this sudden schedule change?

Sources

• Harford County Public Schools Official Website – Direct notification of 3-hour early dismissal announcement
• WBAL-TV 11 Weather – Snow forecast and dangerous cold/wind warnings for Baltimore region
• National Weather Service – Official winter weather alerts and wind chill advisories