Prince George’s County Public Schools Announce Friday Closure After Severe Storms Knock Out Power Across D.C. Region

As of September 3, 2026, residents throughout the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area are coping with the aftermath of a powerful line of thunderstorms that swept through the region Thursday night. The storms brought damaging winds, heavy rain, and widespread power outages, prompting Prince George’s County Public Schools to cancel classes for Friday and place the district under a Code Green status.

Storm Brings Widespread Damage and Power Losses

According to the National Weather Service and local emergency management officials, the storm system moved across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and northern Virginia corridor late Thursday, producing straight‑line winds that exceeded 60 mph in some spots. The intense gusts snapped trees, toppled utility poles, and left tens of thousands of homes and businesses without electricity.

Prince George’s County officials reported that a large number of schools and administrative offices were among the facilities affected by the loss of power. Downed trees and power lines have complicated restoration efforts, blocking roadways and slowing the work of utility crews attempting to re‑energize the grid.

District Activates Code Green, Authorizes Liberal Leave

In response to the ongoing situation, Prince George’s County Public Schools announced that it would operate under Code Green for the day. Under this status, 12‑month employees are expected to report to work on time but are eligible for liberal leave if conditions prevent safe travel or if they need to address personal emergencies related to the storm.

The district emphasized that the decision prioritizes the safety of students, staff, and families while maintaining essential operations where possible. Officials urged anyone experiencing hazards such as fallen trees, sparking wires, or flooding to avoid the area and report issues to the appropriate authorities.

Community Impact: Homes, Roads, and Essential Services

Beyond school facilities, the storm’s effects have been felt across residential neighborhoods. Many homeowners reported roof damage, broken windows, and blocked driveways from fallen limbs. Local transportation agencies noted several major arteries impeded by debris, prompting detours and delays for commuters.

Emergency services have been fielding calls related to water intrusion, electrical hazards, and requests for welfare checks on vulnerable residents. Community organizations and volunteer groups have begun coordinating efforts to distribute bottled water, flashlights, and blankets to those most affected by the outages.

Staying Safe: Tips for Residents During Ongoing Outages

Utility companies advise residents to treat all downed power lines as energized and to keep a safe distance of at least 30 feet. They also recommend:

• Using flashlights or battery‑powered lanterns instead of candles to reduce fire risk.
• Keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food for as long as possible.
• Checking on elderly neighbors, individuals with medical needs, and those who may require assistance.
• Reporting outages and hazards through the utility’s online outage map or customer service hotline.

The Prince George’s County Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as restoration progresses. Residents are encouraged to follow official channels for the latest information on road closures, shelter locations, and expected power‑return timelines.

Looking Ahead: Restoration Efforts and Future Preparedness

Utility crews are working around the clock to repair damaged infrastructure, with priority given to facilities that support hospitals, emergency services, and water treatment plants. While exact restoration timelines remain uncertain, officials anticipate gradual improvement over the next 24‑48 hours as crews clear debris and replace compromised equipment.

The recent storm serves as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness. Residents are encouraged to review their household disaster kits, develop communication plans, and stay informed through reliable weather alerts and local government notifications. By taking proactive steps, communities can better withstand future severe weather events and minimize disruption to daily life.

*Information in this article comes from the FOX 5 Weather Team, the National Weather Service, and Prince George’s County Public Schools.

Education, Government, News, Society, Communities, Home, Transportation, Maryland, Prince George’s County, Washington D.C., Severe Weather, Storm Damage, Power Outages, School Closures, Code Green, Liberal Leave, Utility Crews, Emergency Preparedness