School Closings And Delays Announced Across Far East Tennessee After Overnight Snow
School closings and delays have been declared across far East Tennessee for Monday, Feb. 23 as a winter system left flurries, falling temperatures and slippery roads. The moves affect multiple county districts, shift some students to virtual learning and come as the National Weather Service warns of continued snow showers and hazardous travel.
National Weather Service Issues Winter Weather Advisory
The National Weather Service has placed far eastern Tennessee under a winter weather advisory, forecasting "occasional snow showers through Monday night. " Officials note the region will be very cold and windy and that hazardous conditions could affect both the Monday morning and evening commutes.
Great Smoky Mountains Peaks Expected Higher Totals
Accumulations of up to 4 inches are expected across the advisory area, with even higher totals projected at the top of Great Smoky Mountains peaks. Most of East Tennessee is under a hazardous weather outlook as flurries started to fall and temperatures dropped, heightening the risk that untreated surfaces will become slick.
School Closings And Delays: Full list for Monday, Feb. 23
Districts across the region announced the following status changes for Monday, Feb. 23:
- Campbell County Schools: Closed for Monday, Feb. 23
- Carter County School District: Closed Monday, Feb. 23
- Claiborne County Schools: Closed for Monday, Feb. 23
- Cocke County Schools: Two-hour delay for Monday, Feb. 23
- Grainger County Schools: Closed for Monday, Feb. 23
- Heritage Christian Academy: Two-hour delay for Monday, Feb. 23
- Johnson County Schools: Closed Monday, Feb. 23
- Rogersville City School: Closed for Monday, Feb. 23
- Scott County Schools: Closed for Monday, Feb. 23; Central Office and related departments are on a two-hour delay
- Sevier County Schools: Two-hour delay for Monday, Feb. 23
- Unicoi County Schools: No in-person learning — virtual learning begins at 10 a. m. Lunches will be available for pickup for all students at either Unicoi Elementary or Unicoi High School between 11 a. m. and 1 p. m.; students may go to whichever school is closer
- Union County Schools: Closed for Monday, Feb. 23; Central Office will be open
This list will be updated.
Knoxville and Oak Ridge Schools Remain on Schedule
Heavy snowfall is not predicted for Knoxville or Oak Ridge, and schools in those communities are on schedule. That local contrast underscores the uneven footprint of the system across the region.
Road Conditions and Commute Impact
The weather service warns drivers to plan on slippery road conditions. With winds and temperatures falling, officials expect hazardous conditions that could impact Monday morning and evening commutes. What makes this notable is the combination of measurable accumulations — up to 4 inches in places — and very cold, windy conditions that increase the danger on untreated roads even where snowfall remains light.
District actions reflect that cause-and-effect chain: snowfall and cold conditions prompted closures and two-hour delays, while Unicoi County shifted to virtual instruction and arranged lunch pickups to limit travel. School and transportation officials have staggered office openings in some districts to reduce commuter risk.
Community members should monitor local announcements for any changes to schedules as the advisory continues through Monday night.
