Live updates: Winter storm knocked out power to 1 million customers in Texas and South, buried NYC, New Jersey, Ohio with snow

A widespread winter storm is causing significant disruptions to public education across the United States, leading to school closures and a shift to remote learning in numerous major cities. The impacts are being felt from the Northeast to the South and Midwest, affecting millions of students.

Widespread School Disruptions

School buildings in New York City are closed, with classes transitioning to remote learning on Monday. Chicago public schools were closed Friday due to frigid temperatures but are anticipated to reopen on Monday. The Houston Independent School District has announced the closure of all schools and facilities for Monday.

Cleveland Metropolitan School District schools and offices will also be closed on Monday. In the Atlanta metropolitan area, Gwinnett County, Fulton County, and City Schools of Decatur will conduct classes remotely, while DeKalb County has canceled classes for Monday. Dallas Independent School District will be closed Monday as well.

Regional Impacts

The storm’s reach extends beyond major metropolitan areas. Public schools in Charlotte, North Carolina, will be closed Monday. Philadelphia public schools are also closed Monday. Boston public schools will remain closed on Monday.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools are closed Monday due to “hazardous conditions.” New Orleans public schools and the district office will be closed Monday due to expected freezing temperatures. Metro Nashville public schools and offices will be closed for both Monday and Tuesday.

The Washington, DC, area is also affected, with DC Public Schools closed Monday for a planned records day. In Virginia, Fairfax County public schools will be closed Monday. Maryland’s Prince George’s County and Montgomery County schools will also be closed Monday, with Montgomery County remaining closed through Tuesday.

Baltimore City public schools will be closed Monday, according to its website.

Did You Know? Metro Nashville public schools and offices will be closed for two days, Monday and Tuesday, due to the winter storm.

Expert Insight: The widespread nature of these closures highlights the significant logistical challenges faced by school districts in responding to severe weather events, and the priority placed on student and staff safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cities have announced school closures?

New York City, Chicago, Houston, Cleveland, Dallas, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Boston, Memphis, New Orleans, Nashville, Baltimore, and multiple counties in the Atlanta and Washington, DC areas have announced school closures or a shift to remote learning.

Are schools expected to reopen immediately following the closures?

Chicago schools are expected to reopen Monday. However, Nashville schools will be closed for Monday and Tuesday, and Montgomery County, Maryland schools will also be closed for both days.

What is the reason for these closures?

The closures are due to a combination of factors, including frigid temperatures, hazardous conditions, and expected freezing temperatures, as stated by the school districts.

As conditions evolve, will school districts adjust their plans for the remainder of the week?