An early-December winter storm covered areas as far south as Florida, up through the District of Columbia, to New England Saturday, and officials were warning people that melting snow could cause icy roads through Saturday and the weekend. Effects on school for Monday were still largely unknown as of Saturday evening, though several Sunday events, mainly at churches, were closed in places like Atlanta.
Snow falls in McLean, Va., Saturday afternoon (Voxitatis)
When it comes to making decisions about closing school for inclement weather, “We will always err on the side of caution,” WSB-TV Action News in Atlanta quoted Henry County Schools Communication Coordinator, JD Hardin, as saying.
About 200,000 people were reportedly without power in the area due to the winter weather. School officials monitor the weather closely during storms like this, including constant contact with emergency management agencies, which monitor road conditions.
“Talking with them allows us to get the most up to date information on a routine basis,” Mr Hardin said. “We have multiple meetings at their center.”
An advisory is in effect in D.C., Baltimore, and surrounding portions of Maryland across Central Maryland until 9 PM Saturday, the Baltimore Sun reports. “Be prepared for reduced visibilities at times,” the advisory states.
An annual boys’ basketball tournament between schools in Baltimore and those in DC, scheduled to take place Saturday at Lake Clifton, was postponed on account of the weather, with no makeup date set. All school activities Saturday in Baltimore, Carroll, Howard, and Anne Arundel counties were also postponed.
The administration of the SAT college admissions test was also cancelled in Anne Arundel, Howard, and Baltimore counties, as well as at other site in Maryland, Florida, and Georgia, according to the College Board. Makeup dates will be in effect, generally thought to be on December 16, next Saturday, but safety comes first.
