Community Corner
Hurricane Irene: Closings, Cancellations and Postponements
The possibility of Hurrican Irene hitting Maryland has led local and state governments to consider what needs to stay open and what can close.
Updated 8/27 7:45 p.m.
As of Saturday evening, Hurricane Irene is scheduled to move over the Maryland overnight.
A tropical storm warning and flash flood watch are in effect for Howard County and the local forecast is calling for tropical storm conditions, including high winds and heavy rain, on Saturday and Sunday.
Find out what's happening in Ellicott Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
With that in mind, county and state officials have decided to cancel or close certain facilities and postpone events. Check back for updates and if you know of any closings or cancellations, feel free to add them in the comments section:
- Howard County Public Schools facilities and fields will be closed on Saturday, Aug. 27, and Sun., August 28. The first day of school is still on-track for Monday, Aug. 29. Check Patch or one of the following stations Sunday evening to find out if plans have changed: WBAL-AM, WIYY-FM, WMAL-AM, WTOP-AM
- Patapsco Valley and most other State Parks will be closed Aug. 26 through Sunday evening, Aug. 28. Campers must vacate the campground by sunset Friday with all of their equipment and belongings. Full refunds will be automatically processed for all reservations during the closure. Find more info online.
- Gov. Martin O'Malley said in a statement Friday that the Chesapeake Bay Bridge is likely to be closed early Saturday evening.
- At BWI Airport, AirTran and Delta Airlines are allowing passengers with travel plans Friday through Aug. 27 to make changes without penalty, according to Baltimore Business Journal. Southwest Airlines are allowing customers who have flights scheduled for tomorrow and Sunday only to make changes. For information on a particular flight, check BWI's website.
- Open house at Northfield Elementary School has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled.
- All county services will be canceled including: Libraries; all activities at Howard County Community College; Howard County Transit operations; all events scheduled at Howard County Public Schools.
If you know of other cancellations, post them in the comments section or on Ellicott City Patch's Facebook page. Stay safe!
Find out what's happening in Ellicott Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
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