Major Winter Storm Forces Closures Across Maryland And Arkansas

As a powerful winter storm barrels toward the Mid-Atlantic and Southern regions, communities across Maryland and Arkansas are bracing for a weekend of snow, sleet, and ice that could upend daily routines and disrupt local institutions. With forecasters predicting the wintry mix to begin Saturday afternoon, January 24, 2026, and continue into Sunday, residents and officials are scrambling to prepare for what could be the most significant winter weather event of the season.

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore is urging students, faculty, and staff to sign up for its Rave Emergency Text Message System, the school’s primary tool for disseminating urgent updates about university operations during emergencies. According to university officials, the Rave system allows them to “immediately broadcast emergency information to subscribers,” ensuring that anyone on campus receives timely alerts about delayed openings, closings, and changes to essential services as the storm unfolds. The university has also reminded the community to review or update emergency contact details and notification preferences through its online portal, my.jhu.edu, emphasizing the importance of staying connected as conditions evolve.

“Before the first flake falls, make sure to opt into JHU’s Rave alerts to stay up to date on how the storm is affecting university operations,” the university advised, highlighting the need for vigilance as the forecasted storm approaches.

Meanwhile, in Western Maryland, Washington County Parks & Recreation has announced the temporary closure of all park gates beginning Friday, January 23, 2026, in anticipation of the storm. The only exception is Marty Snook Park, which will remain open until sunset on Friday. However, that park too will close either when snowfall begins on Saturday, January 24, or at sunset—whichever comes first. County officials have described the closures as a proactive measure to protect public safety and to allow crews to clear snow and restore access as efficiently as possible once the storm passes.

“These proactive measures are being taken to protect public safety and to allow County crews to efficiently clear snow and restore park access as quickly as conditions allow,” the county stated in its announcement. The public has been asked for cooperation and understanding, with updates on park reopenings promised once conditions improve. For those seeking more information, the county has provided contact details for its Parks & Recreation department, demonstrating a commitment to transparent and accessible communication during the weather emergency.

Traveling a few states south, Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas, is also feeling the effects of the impending storm. The college has announced that it will close its campus and cancel all classes and student activities starting at noon on Friday, January 23, 2026. The closure is a direct response to the forecast of inclement weather, with college officials prioritizing the safety of students and staff. A decision on whether classes will resume on Monday, January 26, will be made on Sunday afternoon, January 25, giving administrators time to assess the aftermath of the storm and the condition of campus facilities.

The storm’s impact on campus life is already being felt, as several events have been rescheduled. Burns Night, a much-anticipated celebration originally planned for Saturday, January 24, has been moved to Saturday, February 21. The Nursing Clinical Skills Expo, set for Monday, January 26, will now take place on Monday, February 2. Even athletic competitions are not immune: the Scots men’s and women’s basketball games, which were supposed to be held on Saturday, January 24, at Webster University in St. Louis, have been postponed until Tuesday, February 3.

Despite the closure, essential services at Lyon College will remain operational. Dining Services, Campus Security, and Facilities will continue to function, ensuring that students who remain on campus have access to meals and support. Patterson Dining Hall in Edwards Commons will offer brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 7 p.m., though the Lyon Den and the Salty Dog coffeehouse will be closed for the duration of the weather emergency. The college’s approach balances the need for caution with a commitment to student welfare, keeping key services running even as most activities are put on hold.

The ripple effects of the storm extend beyond campus boundaries. Local media outlets, such as White River Now, are encouraging residents to stay informed by tuning into radio updates and following social media channels. The First Community Bank Newsroom and several regional radio stations are providing frequent weather and news updates, underscoring the community-wide effort to keep people safe and well-informed during the storm.

Across the region, the response to the storm highlights the importance of preparation and communication. Institutions like Johns Hopkins University and Lyon College are leveraging technology and contingency planning to minimize disruption and ensure the safety of their communities. Emergency alert systems, such as JHU’s Rave platform, play a critical role in delivering real-time information about closures and operational changes, while local governments like Washington County are taking decisive action to limit public exposure to hazardous conditions.

For many, the weekend’s forecast serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and power of winter weather. The mix of snow, sleet, and ice predicted for Saturday and Sunday poses a range of challenges, from treacherous travel to the potential for power outages and property damage. By closing parks, campuses, and rescheduling events, officials aim to reduce the risk of accidents and give maintenance crews the time and space needed to clear roads, walkways, and public spaces.

Still, the situation is fluid. With decisions about reopening and resuming normal activities pending further assessment, students, residents, and local businesses are urged to monitor official channels for updates. Johns Hopkins University, Washington County Parks & Recreation, and Lyon College have all emphasized the need for patience and cooperation as they navigate the storm’s impact, promising to share information as it becomes available.

As the first flakes begin to fall, the region will be watching closely—hoping for a swift return to normalcy, and grateful for the efforts of those working behind the scenes to keep everyone safe and informed.