As a powerful winter storm sweeps across the region, many schools in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia are adjusting their schedules for Tuesday, January 21.
The mix of heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and icy conditions has prompted school districts to announce a variety of closures, delays, and remote learning days to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Weather Impacting School Schedules
The National Weather Service has issued winter weather warnings across parts of the Mid-Atlantic region, with expected accumulations of snow and ice that could make travel hazardous. The morning commute is expected to be particularly challenging, with road conditions becoming slick and dangerous.
With these conditions in mind, several school districts across Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia have made the decision to delay or cancel in-person classes for the day.
School Closures Across the Region
As of early Tuesday morning, a number of Washington D.C. and Maryland school districts have opted to close completely due to the unsafe conditions:
- Washington D.C.: All public schools are closed for the day, and government offices have also announced delays.
- Montgomery County Public Schools (MD): Closed for the day due to snow and ice accumulation.
- Prince George’s County Public Schools (MD): All schools are closed as a result of the ongoing storm.
- Howard County Public Schools (MD): Closed for the day, with residents warned to stay off the roads.
- Baltimore City Public Schools (MD): A full closure is in effect, with the district citing dangerous road conditions and freezing temperatures.
School Delays
Other school districts, including those in Virginia, are experiencing delays due to the winter storm:
- Fairfax County Public Schools (VA): Opening two hours late. Parents are encouraged to check road conditions in their area before sending children to school.
- Arlington Public Schools (VA): A two-hour delay is in effect. Bus routes may be affected due to icy conditions.
- Alexandria City Public Schools (VA): A two-hour delay has been announced, with many school buildings prepared for remote learning if conditions worsen.
- Loudoun County Public Schools (VA): Opening two hours late, with some roads still slick in rural areas.
Remote Learning for Some Districts
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With the winter weather potentially creating long-lasting disruptions, some school districts are also shifting to remote learning for the day. This change is intended to prevent any additional disruptions while still maintaining educational continuity.
- Fairfax County Public Schools (VA) has made provisions for virtual learning in the event that further school closures are needed throughout the day.
- Prince William County Public Schools (VA): Remote learning is in place for the day as some areas of the county are experiencing higher-than-expected snow accumulations.
Important Considerations for Families
Parents and guardians are urged to stay informed by checking local school district websites and social media accounts for the latest updates on closures and delays. As conditions can change rapidly during a winter storm, families should also remain flexible in case of last-minute announcements.
- Safety First: Students should avoid outdoor activities and ensure they are bundled up properly if they need to leave the house.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on local news and weather alerts, as conditions may worsen throughout the day, potentially leading to more closures or delays.
Travel Alerts
For those planning to travel, local authorities warn that icy conditions and reduced visibility could make driving dangerous. Virginia State Police have issued a warning for drivers to exercise extreme caution, and both Maryland and Virginia Department of Transportation services have begun pre-treating major roadways.
Motorists are encouraged to use public transportation where possible, or to delay travel until road conditions improve.
While the storm is expected to taper off by the afternoon, conditions may remain icy into the evening, which could lead to additional school schedule changes for Wednesday, January 22. Local school districts will continue to monitor conditions throughout the day, and families should stay prepared for possible further disruptions.
As the region faces another challenging winter storm, school districts in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia are prioritizing safety while keeping students’ education on track. With snow and ice continuing to impact the area, students, parents, and staff are reminded to take extra precautions and stay informed as conditions evolve.
