As of Monday morning, December 15, 2025, thousands of families across the country are waking up to widespread school closings and delays as a massive winter storm sweeps across much of the United States.
The storm, stretching from the Midwest through the Northeast, has dropped heavy snow, freezing rain, and ice, creating treacherous road conditions and forcing school districts to make quick decisions about student safety.
A Major Winter System Moves East
The storm system that began late Sunday has continued to strengthen, affecting millions of Americans across at least a dozen states.
Meteorologists confirm that the most intense snow bands are now moving east, with snowfall rates of one to two inches per hour reported in parts of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Temperatures plunged overnight, causing slick, icy roads and limited visibility for drivers. Many districts announced closings before sunrise, while others opted for delayed openings to allow plows and salt trucks time to clear roads.
By early morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) had active winter storm warnings and wind chill advisories across the Great Lakes, New England, and parts of the mid-Atlantic.
Midwest Sees Heaviest Accumulations
The Midwest remains the hardest-hit region so far, with snowfall totals reaching as high as 10 inches in some locations.
Drivers faced whiteout conditions in northern Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan, while strong winds created drifting snow and ice along major highways.
- Detroit Public Schools canceled classes for the day, marking the city’s first full weather-related closure of the season.
- In Chicago, the district implemented a two-hour delay, while neighboring suburban schools remained closed entirely.
- Milwaukee and Madison in Wisconsin both canceled in-person learning, and officials reported temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit with wind chills dropping even lower.
- In Minneapolis and St. Paul, buses were grounded due to poor visibility and icy intersections.
State transportation crews have been working through the night, but secondary roads remain hazardous in several counties.
Northeast Facing Dangerous Morning Commute
The Northeast began feeling the full brunt of the storm early Monday morning. Snowfall began before dawn in western New York and Pennsylvania and has since moved toward New England.
- Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse closed all schools, as lake-effect snow piled up to 12 inches in surrounding suburbs.
- Albany, New York, and Scranton, Pennsylvania, delayed opening by two hours while road crews worked to clear major routes.
- Boston Public Schools issued a late start schedule, while several Massachusetts suburbs closed completely due to freezing rain.
- Hartford, Connecticut, and Providence, Rhode Island, are both monitoring conditions and may extend delays if ice continues through the morning.
Officials have warned of potential power outages in rural areas where ice is accumulating on trees and power lines.
Mid-Atlantic Braces for Afternoon Ice
The system will continue to push southeast through the afternoon, bringing freezing rain and sleet to parts of Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey.
Local forecasters predict up to 0.25 inches of ice accumulation in some communities — enough to make untreated roads extremely slippery.
School leaders in Newark, NJ, and Harrisburg, PA, have already announced early dismissals, allowing buses to return students home before conditions worsen.
In Baltimore County, officials are considering converting Tuesday’s classes to remote learning if ice remains on the ground by tomorrow morning.
Public works departments have pretreated major interstates, but elevated highways and overpasses remain at risk of refreezing overnight.
Southern States See Glaze of Ice
The southern edge of the storm has caused surprise disruptions across parts of the Appalachian region. Freezing rain in Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina has left a thin sheet of ice on roads and bridges.
- Knox County and Hamilton County in Tennessee both delayed classes by two hours.
- Asheville City Schools in North Carolina opted for remote instruction, citing icy conditions in mountain communities.
- North Georgia school districts, including areas north of Atlanta, opened late as temperatures hovered near 32°F at sunrise.
Fortunately, forecasters expect temperatures to rise above freezing by early afternoon, bringing gradual improvement.
Why Schools Close or Delay
School districts base closure and delay decisions on multiple factors—most importantly, the safety of students, staff, and drivers.
Each district has a team that starts early in the morning, driving routes and consulting with law enforcement and weather services before deciding whether to open on time.
Typical considerations include:
- Road safety on primary and residential streets
- Visibility due to snow, fog, or blowing wind
- Bus route conditions, especially in rural areas
- Temperature and wind chill levels at bus stops
- Timing of the storm in relation to the start of the school day
Districts typically notify families between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. through automated phone calls, text alerts, and district websites.
After-School Activities and Sports Canceled
Beyond morning classes, the winter storm has also disrupted after-school plans nationwide.
Districts in multiple states have canceled sports practices, rehearsals, and evening programs for Monday and Tuesday.
- In Cleveland, basketball and wrestling practices are postponed.
- Boston has canceled all community education programs until Tuesday evening.
- In Pittsburgh, schools have rescheduled winter concerts and holiday performances for later this week.
Districts emphasize that all after-school transportation will also be suspended until road conditions improve.
Air and Road Travel Impact
The storm’s reach extends far beyond schools, disrupting both regional and national transportation networks.
Airports across the northern U.S. reported hundreds of delays and cancellations this morning:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport recorded over 250 delays by 8:00 a.m.
- Cleveland Hopkins International and Boston Logan each reported significant backups due to deicing operations.
Major interstates — including I-90, I-94, and I-80 — remain snow-covered in sections from Iowa to New York. State police have responded to multiple slide-offs and are urging drivers to slow down and avoid unnecessary travel.
Bus carriers like Greyhound have temporarily suspended some Midwest and Northeast routes until conditions improve.
Cold Weather and Power Concerns
The storm’s intensity is compounded by dangerously low temperatures across the central U.S.
Wind chills as low as –25°F were recorded in parts of Minnesota and North Dakota, raising concerns for anyone spending extended time outdoors.
Utility crews are also monitoring for potential power line icing in the Northeast and Appalachians. Residents are being advised to keep flashlights and extra batteries on hand in case of outages.
Officials stress that children waiting for buses should dress in multiple layers, with hats, gloves, and waterproof outerwear to avoid frostbite risks.
Forecast for the Coming Days
Meteorologists expect the system to move off the East Coast by late Tuesday morning, bringing relief to the Midwest and Northeast.
However, lingering cold air will keep temperatures well below average through midweek.
- The Midwest will remain frigid, with highs between 10°F and 25°F through Wednesday.
- The Northeast could see additional lake-effect snow through Wednesday night, especially near Buffalo and Syracuse.
- The Southeast will gradually warm, with highs returning to the 40s by Wednesday afternoon.
Most districts plan to resume normal schedules by Wednesday, December 17, provided that local roads are clear and power is stable.
How Families Can Stay Informed
Parents can stay up to date on school announcements and safety updates through several official channels:
- District websites and automated alert systems
- Local TV and radio stations providing morning updates
- Weather-tracking apps and emergency notification systems
- Social media accounts run by school districts and state departments of education
Families are encouraged to check for updates both late at night and early in the morning, since changing temperatures can quickly alter travel safety.
Winter Safety Reminders
As winter weather continues, school officials urge families to take precautions during morning commutes and outdoor activities.
Helpful reminders include:
- Dress children warmly in multiple layers, including gloves and insulated boots.
- Allow extra time for morning drop-offs, as buses may run slower on icy routes.
- Keep extra blankets, water, and phone chargers in vehicles during long drives.
- Remind teen drivers to avoid using cruise control on slick highways.
These small steps can make a big difference when conditions turn dangerous.
With heavy snow and ice across much of the U.S., hundreds of districts remain closed or delayed today. Check your local alerts before leaving home, and stay safe as this winter storm moves east.