Winter storm forces multiple northern Nevada school closures; Washoe County decision remains pending
Several northern Nevada school systems announced closures for Tuesday as a winter storm warning takes hold, bringing heavy snow to the Sierra and the valley floors. The Carson City School District called a snow day in an 8: 00 p. m. ET update Monday, saying officials made the call early to give families time to arrange childcare. The washoe county school district had not issued a districtwide closure notice late Monday; the district typically decides early on the morning of a storm but has occasionally announced closures the night before when a difficult commute is expected.
Districts cancel in-person classes; remote options vary
School leaders across the region cited expected heavy snow accumulation and unsafe travel conditions when canceling in-person classes for Tuesday. Some districts went further, suspending afterschool activities, transportation services and nutrition programs for the day. One private high school announced a shift to virtual learning for the day.
Carson City officials emphasized the decision was made with family safety in mind, noting that the early call allows parents and guardians to secure childcare. Families in other districts should monitor official school communication channels for final decisions; some systems historically wait until early morning before issuing weather-related announcements, while others communicate closures the night prior.
Roads, chain controls and travel impacts
State transportation officials warned of hazardous travel and implemented chain requirements on multiple mountain routes. Eastbound traffic on Interstate 80 was held at Colfax during the day after multiple spinouts. Chain controls are in effect on long stretches of I-80 and over the Mt. Rose Highway, with chains required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles fitted with snow tires on all four wheels for specified segments. Tractor-trailers were halted at the Nevada state line and are being screened near Reno; several passes are closed to heavy trucks in both directions.
Snow has forced westbound truck stoppages at the state line and earlier holds for eastbound traffic. Drivers should expect significant delays and hazardous winter driving conditions through the evening and into Tuesday morning. Authorities warned that heavy snowfall at higher elevations could produce travel impacts measured in hours rather than minutes, and urged motorists to avoid nonessential travel until conditions improve.
Forecast and what families should expect
National Weather Service Reno meteorologist Edan Lindaman said Monday, "There will be a rain and snow mix today, " with valley floors picking up as much as an inch Monday. The forecast calls for the storm to intensify Tuesday, bringing 4–6 inches on valley floors and more than a foot at higher elevations; mountain passes could see accumulations measured in feet. Tuesday morning and evening commutes are expected to be affected.
School officials and transportation authorities urged residents to prepare for power interruptions, slowed emergency response times and extended road closures in higher terrain. Practical steps recommended for families include postponing nonessential travel, ensuring emergency kits and winter gear are accessible, and confirming remote-learning plans and childcare arrangements if a district announces closures or shifts to virtual instruction.
As conditions evolve overnight and into Tuesday, families and commuters should rely on official district communications and state transportation advisories for the latest closure notices and travel restrictions. Emergency services and road crews are mobilized across the region, but officials cautioned that heavy snow and icy roads will slow response and clearing efforts.
