Severe Winter Storm Forces School Closures Across Nine U.S. States

A rare and dangerous winter storm has swept across much of the Southern and Eastern United States, bringing freezing temperatures, heavy snow, sleet, and icy conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued winter storm warnings for multiple states, prompting widespread disruptions, including school closures and remote learning transitions, to ensure the safety of students and staff.

The Impact of the Winter Storm

The NWS Weather Prediction Center has warned that the hazardous weather conditions will persist from Wednesday, January 22, through Friday, January 24. The storm has brought rare snowfall to southern regions unaccustomed to such conditions, creating travel hazards and power outages. In response, schools in nine states have announced closures or adjusted operations to protect students and staff.

School Closures in Affected States

North Carolina

Several schools across North Carolina closed completely on January 22, including:

• Gaston County Schools
• Kannapolis City Schools
• Hickory Grove Christian School
• Lake Norman Christian School
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
• Gaston Christian Schools (Gastonia and Kings Mountain)
• Gaston Day School
• Northside Academy for Early Learning
• Union County Public Schools
• Weddington Christian Academy

Victory Christian Academy also closed, while Anson County Schools and Sugar Creek Charter School switched to remote learning. Cleveland County Schools remained closed but designated the day as an optional teacher workday.

South Carolina

In South Carolina, hazardous weather conditions led to the closure of Clover School District and Lancaster County Schools.

Florida

The Florida Department of Education reported widespread closures across the state, with all K-12 schools in the following counties shutting down on January 22:

• Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Liberty, Leon, Levy, Madison, Nassau, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Taylor, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington.

Madison County Schools extended their closure through January 23.

Florida’s colleges, including Chipola College, Florida Gateway College, and Florida State College at Jacksonville, also suspended operations. Universities such as Florida A&M University and the University of Florida transitioned to remote learning.

Georgia

Georgia experienced significant disruptions, particularly in the Atlanta metro area. Schools closed in numerous districts, including:

• Atlanta Public Schools
• Barrow County School System
• Clarke County School District
• Henry County Schools
• Newton County Schools
• University of Georgia

Colleges like Spelman, Morehouse, and Clark Atlanta shifted to remote learning. Governor Brian P. Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency and closed state offices in Atlanta to prepare for worsening conditions.

Louisiana and Mississippi

Public and charter schools in New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, St. Tammany Parish, and St. Bernard Parish remained closed through January 23. Universities such as Tulane and Loyola switched to online classes. Mississippi faced similar challenges, with several districts halting in-person operations to prioritize safety.

Emergency Precautions and Recommendations

The NWS has strongly advised residents in affected areas to delay all travel unless absolutely necessary. For those who must travel, the following precautions are recommended:

• Carry an emergency kit with food, water, flashlights, and blankets.
• Dress in layers, covering exposed skin to prevent hypothermia or frostbite.
• Check road conditions by dialing 511 or visiting local transportation websites.

Utilities and Power Outages

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and other utility companies have implemented Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) in regions experiencing extreme weather conditions. Power outages have affected thousands, with repair crews working around the clock to restore electricity.

Statewide Emergency Measures

Governors across affected states have declared states of emergency to allocate resources for storm response. In Georgia, Governor Kemp’s executive order prioritized the deployment of Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) crews to prepare roadways and limit traffic.

Community Support and Resources

Evacuation centers and temporary shelters have been established in multiple regions to provide refuge for residents affected by the storm. Schools, community organizations, and local governments are working together to ensure that food, supplies, and support are available to those in need.

As the winter storm continues to impact millions across the South and Eastern United States, schools, utilities, and government agencies are prioritizing safety through closures, emergency declarations, and public advisories. Residents are urged to stay informed, remain indoors if possible, and take necessary precautions to navigate these severe conditions.

The situation highlights the importance of preparedness and community resilience in the face of extreme weather events. As recovery efforts unfold, authorities will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates to affected communities.