Some Maryland schools dismissing early Monday due to severe weather threat

Some Maryland schools will dismiss early on Monday, March 16, due to the potential for severe storms, which could bring a threat of tornadoes.

Anne Arundel County and Baltimore City schools will release two hours early, and Baltimore County, Howard County and Harford County schools will release three hours early. Secondary schools in Cecil County will dismiss at 11 a.m., and elementary students will be released at noon.

According to the WJZ First Alert Weather Team, parts of Maryland are under a Level 4 out of 5 risk for severe weather. The last time any part of Maryland was under a level 4 risk was August 2023. 

The greatest impacts from the storms will be damaging wind gusts, tornadoes, and hail. Not every storm will be severe in every neighborhood, but every neighborhood should be prepared in case a storm pushes that threshold. 

The timing of the later storms appears to be between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The later storms during the afternoon and evening have an increased risk for rotation or tornadoes.  

 See an updated list of Baltimore area school early dismissals below.