School Closings and Delays Sweep Across U.S. as Winter Weather Hits

Across several regions of the United States, school closings, delays, and cancellations are being announced for Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, as a strong winter storm brings snow and hazardous travel conditions to wide swaths of the country.

Widespread Closures Due to Snow, Ice and Cold

Winter weather is prompting major schedule changes in multiple states today:

• In Massachusetts, numerous school districts — including Boston, Worcester, Brockton, Plymouth, Framingham and Somerville — announced school closings for Monday as a nor’easter delivers heavy snow, strong winds and possible coastal impacts.

• Maryland school systems such as Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore County Public Schools and Anne Arundel County Public Schools are among those closed or delayed as snow accumulates overnight and into Monday.

• Across West Virginia, counties are announcing a mix of closures and delays as temperatures plunge and winter precipitation returns after a brief warm spell.

• In Michigan’s Thumb region, multiple districts announced full school closings, while others opted for a two-hour delay ahead of hazardous conditions.

Officials say student safety remains the top priority, with decisions based on snow accumulation, road conditions and bus route viability.

Closings and Delays List Growing

School administrators are updating families and communities with closure and delay information through local media, district notification systems and social media and are advising parents to check official lists for the most current status. Online resources track school closings and delays as snow totals and road conditions evolve.

In many places, decisions on closures or delayed openings are made early in the morning — often by 5:30 a.m. local time — to provide families enough notice to adjust morning routines.

Delays and “Two-Hour Delay” Schedules

A common alternative to full school closings during winter weather is a 2-hour delay:

• Shenendehowa Central Schools in New York announced a two-hour delay on Monday due to expected inclement weather, meaning buildings will open two hours later and bus routes will run two hours later than usual.

• Many districts across the country use a two-hour delay as a safer option when conditions are improving later in the morning.

A two-hour delay pushes back the start of school to allow crews time to treat roads and improve visibility for bus travel and for parents to travel more safely. It also often means early morning kindergarten sessions are canceled while regular students arrive later.

Closures Trigger Event and Activity Cancellations

When schools announce a full school closure or late start due to weather, after-school activities, extracurricular programs and all evening events typically are canceled to ensure student safety and avoid additional travel on slippery roads.

In cases where a storm’s impact varies within a region, some districts may announce virtual learning days or non-traditional instruction (NTI) rather than traditional in-person classes.

Why Schools Close or Delay

School closings and delays during winter weather are primarily decided based on:

• Severity of snow and ice accumulation

• Road and sidewalk safety

• Bus route clearance and traffic conditions

• Weather forecasts predicting ongoing precipitation

Across the U.S., districts adjust schedules to minimize hazards for bus drivers, walking students, and parents on busy roads.

Weather-related school cancellations and closings are standard practice when travel conditions threaten pupil and staff safety. Snow days have long been part of U.S. school calendars, with districts balancing instructional day requirements against public safety needs.

How Families Can Stay Informed

Families are encouraged to:

• Monitor local school district websites and official social media.

• Sign up for automated alerts from school messaging systems.

• Tune in to local news for updated closings and delays lists.

This winter’s storm has brought school administrators and families together in adapting to rapidly changing conditions to keep students safe while managing learning disruptions. Stay tuned to official school communication channels for updates throughout the day.