UPDATE: Baltimore County Public Schools have canceled all afternoon and evening activities on Thursday.

Original story below…

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A pair of winter weather systems will affect Nottingham residents over the next few days.

Round one is expected to arrive on Thursday. Accumulating snow is expected late Thursday and into Friday.

The National Weather Service has issued Winter Weather Advisories for the Washington D.C. and Baltimore metro areas.

Around 1 – 2 inches of total accumulation is expected from this system.

Motorists should be prepared for hazardous driving conditions throughout the evening rush hour and into Friday morning.

What does round two have in store for the area?  The jury is still out.

The next system is expected to arrive on Saturday afternoon.  Forecasters aren’t sure whether the system will bring snow, ice, freezing rain, or a combination of the above.

What is certain is that precipitation will fall from Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening.  Temperatures are expected to drop quickly Sunday afternoon, so whatever precipitation has fallen will likely “flash freeze.”

Significant icing is possible throughout the weekend.  Motorists should plan ahead.

From the Maryland Transportation Authority:

Pack a winter weather emergency kit for your vehicle.  Recommended contents:

•  Cell phone and car charger
•  Blankets or a sleeping bag
•  Flashlight and extra batteries
•  Jumper cables
•  Emergency flares
•  Extra clothing (boots, hats and gloves)
•  Shovel
•  Bottled water or juice and nonperishable foods
•  First-aid kit and necessary medications
•  Sand or non-clumping cat litter for tire traction

Drive only if it’s absolutely necessary when winter weather hits.  For your safety and the safety of other motorists and emergency personnel:

• THINK ICE! What appears wet may be ice.
• Clear ALL snow from your vehicle and headlights before driving and check your wiper fluid. If you can’t see, you can’t drive!
• Bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads will freeze first.
• Do not pass snow plows and salting trucks.
• Make sure your vehicle is “road ready.”
• If your vehicle becomes disabled, remain inside and call #77 for assistance.

• When contacting a dispatch center, motorists should be prepared to provide:
  • The location of the emergency;
  • A call-back telephone number; and
  • Details of the incident/disabled vehicle or other circumstances.
• It Can Wait – it is illegal to text and use hand-held cell phones while driving in Maryland.
• State law requires vehicles to move over when approaching an emergency, transportation, service and utility vehicle or tow truck with red, yellow or amber flashing lights.  If you are unable to move over, slow down.
• Buckle Up!  Every Seat.  Every Time.
• Avoid changing lanes while traveling over bridges and through tunnels.
• Headlights are required at all times on the Bay Bridge.
• Obey posted speed limits and overhead lane-use signals.
• Save the tailgating for the stadium – keep a safe following distance.
• Avoid distractions – keep your eyes on the road. 
• Drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs will be stopped, arrested and prosecuted.