UPDATED: Harford County Braces for First Storm of 2014; Schools and County Government Closed

UPDATE From Harford County Government:

Harford County Government will be CLOSED on Friday, January 3 due to inclement weather and drifting snow.

UPDATE From Harford County Government:

Harford County Government will open for business at noon today, Friday, January 3, 2014 due to worsening weather and driving conditions throughout the county. Liberal leave for county employees is in effect today. Essential employees should report to work as scheduled. Should weather conditions worsen further updates pertaining to Harford County Government operations will be provided.

UPDATE From HCPS:

Harford County Public Schools will now be CLOSED today, Friday, January 3, employees CODE GREEN. Essential Personnel should await further instructions from their supervisors before reporting for duty.

From Harford County Public Schools:

Harford County Public Schools will open two-hours late tomorrow, Friday, January 3, with no morning Pre-K or preschool services.
We will continue to monitor the storm and re-evaluate in the early morning. Should the schedule change, you will be notified immediately.

From Harford County government:

Winter Weather Warning

Good Evening, this is Emergency Manager Rick Ayers with an emergency message. Harford County is under a Winter Storm Warning and we can expect 4 to 6 inches of snow overnight. However, the real concern at this time is the extreme cold air and wind gusts up to 50 mph. During the overnight hours the temperatures will continue to drop and during the day on Friday the temperatures will be in the teens, however, with the projected wind chill it will feel like 0 to minus 5 degrees. This is a dangerous situation and those exposed to the weather should take extra precautions. If you have to drive use extreme caution as we expect the blowing snow to cause icy conditions on the county roads. Thanks and be safe.

From Harford County government:

Harford County Braces for First Storm of 2014; County could receive 2 – 4 inches of snow

The Harford County Department of Emergency Services is advising the citizens and visitors of Harford County to prepare for a wintery mix of rain and snow during the next 18 hours. Harford County is one of several Maryland counties placed under a Winter Weather Advisory which is in effect from 6:00 p.m. tonight through 3:00 a.m. Friday, January 3, 2014.

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means that periods of snow may cause travel difficulties with snow covered roads and limited visibilities. Motorists are urged to exercise caution while driving through such conditions.

The Winter Weather Advisory, placed in effect by the National Weather Service, estimates the Harford County area could receive between two – four inches of snow from Thursday evening through early Friday morning. Additionally temperatures will drop to the upper 20’s with winds estimated at 25 – 30 mph, gusting from 35 – 40 mph during the height of the storm.

In preparation for the first winter storm of the New Year, the Harford County Department of Public Works, Division of Highways will begin pre-treating county roads at approximately 4:00 p.m. this afternoon. Approximately 100 DPW highways personnel and contractors will be called in to help keep Harford County roads passable during the storm.

“One of our concerns is the extremely bitter cold conditions that are predicted for our area on Friday,” said Harford County Emergency Manager Rick Ayers. “Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing with a wind-chill near zero, which pose a significant health risk to the elderly, youngsters and our homeless population,” Ayers added.

Prior to the projected severe winter weather event, the Harford County Department of Emergency Services recommends citizens take the following precautionary measures:

• Ensure flashlights are in good working condition and have them available throughout the home and in the car

• Make sure there are fresh batteries available for flashlights and portable radios

• Fully charge all cells phones in the event of a power outage

• Have a three day supply of non-perishable foods available in case of power outages

• Have an adequate supply of fresh water available – one gallon per person per day for three days

• First aid kit for the home and family vehicle

• Blankets in vehicles to be used in the event a vehicle becomes stuck in snow or other hazards for a prolonged period of time

Commenting on preparations for the projected snow event, Emergency Manager Rick Ayers said, “Harford County Government is taking every precaution to ensure our roads and bridges are maintained free of snow and ice as much as possible. Nonetheless, we encourage motorists to use caution and allow additional space between vehicles to lessen the potential for accidents,” Ayers added.

For further information on emergency preparedness visit the Harford County Department of Emergency Services website at www.harfordpublicsafety.org or call 410-638-4900.

From Harford County Public Schools:

HCPS Afternoon/Evening Activities Cancelled

Due to the impending snow storm, all HCPS afterschool/evening activities are cancelled today, Thursday, January 2, 2014, to include the Alternative Education Twilight Program and any school-sponsored activities or those held on school property.

We will continue to monitor the storm trajectory, at this time no decision has been made regarding tomorrow’s schedule. We will notify you via the usual communication channels, if tomorrow’s operating schedule should change.