Montgomery County elementary and middle schools closed Wednesday due to an early-morning ice storm. Originally intending only a two-hour delay, Montgomery County decided to close schools for the day at 10:00 a.m.

High schools were already open and most of the students either at school or on their way when serious problems began to occur as a result of the ice. According to WTOP Radio news, Montgomery County Fire spokesman Pete Piringer said that between 7 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. fire and rescue handled approximately the same number of accidents as they would have in a full day.

Many elementary and middle school students were stuck on buses or present at school when the decision to close was made. Takoma Park Middle School was the only middle school that decided to remain open. The principal decided since most of the students were already there, they would proceed with a normal school day.

In an interview on WTOP radio, Montgomery County school spokesman Brian Porter said that students at school will remain at school until weather conditions improve. He said that students on buses would continue to school and then be sent home.

According to Brian Porter the missed day for the elementary and middle schools will not count as one of the county's allotted snow days.


Related links:

Commuters Caught in Icy Surprise - The Washington Post