Ice Closes Schools, Creates Hazardous Traffic Conditions

Freezing rain throughout last night and early morning hours created hazardous road conditions, closed schools and other government buildings, and caused power outages in certain areas of the Broadneck peninsula.

The Anne Arundel County Fire Department reported 22 motor vehicle collisions were reported overnight between 10 p.m. Monday and 7 a.m. Tuesday. AA County Fire Department spokesman Chief Michael Cox said most were attributed to the icy weather and none were serious.

The forecast for today includes more rain and freezing rain this morning, then a chance of rain this afternoon with highs in the upper 30s. Rain and snow showers are likely after midnight on Wednesday. 

Today's closing of schools due to inclement weather moves the semester break back one day, to January 25 and 26. For more information on how additional closings or delays will affect the school calendar, go to the school system's website at www.aacps.org.

In addition to the county schools being closed, Chesapeake Academy and the Harbour School are closed, county government offices will open two hours late, the senior center will be closed, and Anne Arundel Community Colllege is opening at 10 a.m.

The Broadneck Library is still scheduled to open at 1 p.m. as of press time. The county district court opens at noon.

Annapolis city offices are opening two hours late. A statewide liberal leave policy is in effect for state employees beginning 6 a.m. to the end of the day shift today.  Emergency essential personnel should report as scheduled.

The roadways have extremely icy conditions and limited visibility. Drivers are urged to greatly increase stopping distances and reduce speed on all roadways. The main highways are mostly wet and slushy but drivers may unexpectedly hit sheets of ice, so extreme caution is required on all roads.