Snow-covered roads and icy conditions disrupted the start of the week across much of Maryland on Monday, February 23, 2026, forcing school districts, colleges, courts and government offices to change their schedules. While some communities received only a few inches of snow, the timing of the storm during the overnight hours created hazardous conditions for the morning commute, prompting officials to prioritize safety over normal operations.
The National Weather Service warned that accumulating snow and freezing temperatures could make untreated roads, bridges and sidewalks slippery through the morning. Although snowfall totals varied across the state, even modest accumulations created difficult travel conditions before road crews completed treatment on secondary roads.
As a result, Maryland school systems adopted different approaches depending on local conditions. Some shifted to virtual instruction, others announced full closures, while several districts delayed opening by two hours to give transportation departments additional time to assess road safety.
Large school districts move to virtual learning or close campuses
Several of Maryland’s largest public school systems kept students off the roads by moving instruction online. Baltimore City Public Schools held a virtual learning day, while Anne Arundel County Public Schools also transitioned to remote instruction. Administrative staff in some districts were allowed to work remotely where possible.
Other districts across central Maryland and the Eastern Shore announced closures or virtual learning, including Howard County, Harford County, Cecil County, Queen Anne’s County, Talbot County, Dorchester County, Somerset County, Wicomico County and Worcester County. Each district advised families to follow official communications for attendance expectations and online learning schedules.
A continuously updated list of school closings and delays was made available through CBS Baltimore, allowing families to monitor changes throughout the morning.
Many districts choose two-hour delays instead of full closures
Not every school system canceled in-person classes. Several counties opted for delayed openings after reviewing local road conditions and weather forecasts.
Frederick County Public Schools, Washington County Public Schools, Carroll County Public Schools and Allegany County Public Schools announced two-hour delays, with some districts also canceling morning pre-kindergarten programs. Officials said the additional time would allow maintenance crews to clear bus routes and improve travel conditions before students arrived.
Several independent schools across the Baltimore region also delayed opening. Campuses including Friends School of Baltimore, McDonogh School, Bryn Mawr School, Gerstell Academy, Park School and Roland Park Country School adjusted their schedules to reduce travel during the most hazardous part of the morning.
Universities modify classes and campus operations
Maryland colleges and universities also adjusted operations in response to the winter weather.
Morgan State University shifted instruction online, while Bowie State University suspended most on-campus activities and moved classes to virtual learning. Towson University canceled classes and campus events, and several other institutions either delayed opening or operated with reduced staffing throughout the day.
Many campuses reminded students to monitor university alert systems because dining services, libraries, transportation and athletic schedules could change as weather conditions evolved.
Courts and government offices reduce services
Weather-related disruptions extended beyond schools. Several Maryland courts, including the Baltimore City Circuit Court, Baltimore County Circuit Court, Cecil County Circuit Court and the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, adjusted operations because of the storm.
Some county government offices opened later than usual, while others implemented liberal leave policies for non-essential employees. Community centers, libraries and public service offices in several jurisdictions also delayed opening or temporarily suspended services until travel conditions improved.
Why responses differed across the state
School and government decisions varied because snowfall amounts, temperatures and road conditions were different from one county to another. Areas receiving heavier overnight snowfall faced more difficult travel conditions than locations where road crews were able to treat major routes before the morning commute.
District leaders typically review weather forecasts, transportation reports, local emergency management guidance and road conditions before deciding whether to close schools, delay opening or move classes online. Those decisions are often made during the early morning hours as conditions continue to change.
Travel conditions expected to improve later in the day
Road conditions were expected to improve gradually as snow ended and treatment continued across Maryland. However, transportation officials warned that shaded roads, neighborhood streets, bridges and parking lots could remain slippery until temperatures rose above freezing.
Families were encouraged to continue checking official school district websites and local government alerts for any additional schedule changes involving transportation, athletics or after-school activities before traveling.
For related winter weather coverage, see our update on New York City school closures during the February 2026 winter storm.
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