Is MCPS closing early today?

[Anonymous]

I see other counties closing early due to the severe weather coming our way. Does anyone in the know know if MCPS will close early?

[Anonymous]

I saw Howard is...but I think it is too late for MCPS to call it now. They have to get the busses ready at 11 for early dismissal.

[Anonymous]

If early closing is happening, it needs to be decided by 10am or so. Noon is too late to call it.

[Anonymous]

Nope. But they may shelter in place if needed. Storms coming too soon.

[Anonymous]

I did not remember there was a time they had to call it by.

[Anonymous]

From MCPS website:

The national weather service is predicting possible severe weather for Montgomery County later today and likely occurring during school dismissal time. MCPS in times of severe or dangerous weather may need to initiate a Shelter-in-Place to ensure the safety of students and staff. If this were to happen and affect school dismissal or any other activities the district will communicate these updates through email, text message, the MCPS website, and the Alert Montgomery (Alert MCPS) system. We encourage our entire community to be aware today and to stay safe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From MCPS website:

The national weather service is predicting possible severe weather for Montgomery County later today and likely occurring during school dismissal time. MCPS in times of severe or dangerous weather may need to initiate a Shelter-in-Place to ensure the safety of students and staff. If this were to happen and affect school dismissal or any other activities the district will communicate these updates through email, text message, the MCPS website, and the Alert Montgomery (Alert MCPS) system. We encourage our entire community to be aware today and to stay safe.

I received an email to this effect.

FWIW, this area is not under a severe thunderstorm watch at the moment, whereas large swaths of PA/NY are. I get that the timing for potential for severe weather may e problematic with dismissal but I'm not sure the current forecast is worthy of an early dismissal.

[Anonymous]

It is sunny out

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is sunny out

Famous last words.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is sunny out

Have you ever heard the expression "the calm before the storm"?

[Anonymous]

It’s sunny out in Rockville and my weather app says no rain.

[Anonymous]

I gather there’s a higher chance of really severe storms (tornadoes) north and east of DC, which probably explains why Howard closed early.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is sunny out

Sunny and hot in the morning when there’s a chance of storms in the afternoon can often cause more instability in the atmosphere, leading to more severe weather.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I gather there’s a higher chance of really severe storms (tornadoes) north and east of DC, which probably explains why Howard closed early.

This. I think back in September(?) when MCPS closed early for the weather the advisories were a lot more ominous. This one seems like it will be worse to the north.

[Anonymous]

even up here in the northern areas it is clear, the radar shows nothing.