BALTIMORE — A powerful winter storm swept across the Mid-Atlantic region overnight, prompting widespread school closures, delays, and shifts to virtual learning on Monday, February 23, 2026.
Local governments and school districts across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., took precautionary measures as snow and strong winds made travel hazardous.
In Maryland, the impact was felt across multiple counties. Anne Arundel County Public Schools moved all instruction online for the day, with students participating in live virtual classes beginning between 8:30 and 8:45 a.m.
Baltimore County Public Schools similarly transitioned to virtual learning, following a two-hour delay schedule for students while central offices remained open to support staff. Baltimore City Public Schools announced a full virtual schedule as well, with the central office operating normally and essential employees reporting as needed.
Several other Maryland counties experienced closures or delayed openings.
Carroll County Public Schools started on a two-hour delay with further evaluation at 7 a.m. Howard County Public Schools initially planned a two-hour delay but ultimately closed all schools and office buildings due to worsening weather conditions.
Central office staff were instructed to work remotely, while emergency personnel followed supervisor directions. Cecil County and Caroline County public schools were closed, with Cecil County providing virtual instruction. Talbot County and Wicomico County also opted for virtual learning or full closure.
Universities were affected as well, including Bowie State University, Morgan State University, Coppin State University, Towson University, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, all of which suspended in-person classes and shifted to online operations.
Maryland state government offices implemented liberal leave from 6 a.m. until the end of the workday, allowing non-emergency essential employees to use leave or telework, while emergency staff reported as required.
Baltimore County and City government offices opened two hours late, with liberal leave policies in effect. The Baltimore County Public Library delayed opening until 1 p.m., and other institutions, such as Friends School of Baltimore and Huber Child Development Center, reported two-hour delays.
Virginia schools were also affected, particularly in Northern Virginia. Counties including Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William canceled in-person instruction due to heavy snow and slushy roads.
In Prince George’s County, schools moved to virtual teaching, starting on a two-hour delayed schedule. Washington, D.C., Public Schools opened on a two-hour delay, allowing additional time for road conditions to improve.
Travel disruptions extended beyond schools. Federal offices in the D.C. area opened two hours late, with employees offered the option of unscheduled leave or telework.
The storm caused hundreds of flight cancellations at regional airports, including Reagan National, Dulles International, and Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Blizzard warnings remained in effect for parts of the Eastern Shore and southern Maryland counties such as Calvert and St. Mary’s, where the heaviest snow accumulation was expected.
Officials emphasized safety as the top priority and encouraged residents to limit travel and follow updates from local school districts, universities, and government agencies.
Despite lower-than-expected snowfall totals in some areas, gusty winds of up to 40 miles per hour and reduced visibility continued to make commuting challenging.
Residents are advised to monitor local news outlets, including WMAR 2 News, FOX 5 DC, and NBC4 Washington, for real-time updates on school closures, delayed openings, and winter weather advisories throughout the day.
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