A powerful winter storm sweeping across parts of the United States has led to significant disruptions in the education sector. On Monday, 15th December, numerous schools in central Ohio and the broader Washington DC area were forced to close or delay their start times due to hazardous weather conditions, primarily slick roads and freezing temperatures.
Central Ohio Grapples with Heavy Snowfall
The central Ohio region, including Columbus City, bore the brunt of heavy snowfall over the weekend. Reports from local media, including NBC4I, indicated that the area received between 4 and 7 inches of snow. This accumulation, combined with ongoing winter weather, created treacherous driving conditions, prompting school districts to prioritise student and staff safety.
Consequently, a long list of schools announced either full-day closures or delayed openings. Notably, all extracurricular activities were also postponed or cancelled. Major districts like Columbus City Schools implemented closures, while others such as Delaware City Schools and several in Crawford County opted for a two-hour delay.
List of Affected Schools in Central Ohio
The impact was widespread across multiple counties. Here is a selection of the reported closures and delays:
- Closed: Columbus City Schools, Circleville City Schools, Bloom-Carroll Local School District, Fairfield Christian Academy, East Knox School District.
- Two-Hour Delay: Big Walnut Local Schools, Buckeye Valley Schools, Delaware City Schools, Fredericktown School District, Granville Exempted Village Schools.
Many charter and private academies, such as A+ Children's Academy, Cornerstone Academy, and various Horizon Science Academy campuses, also remained shut for the day.
East Coast Faces Icy Threats and Delays
The weather disruption extended to the East Coast, affecting the states of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC. Following the weekend storm, dangerously cold conditions persisted, with temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Fahrenheit. This raised a serious threat of refreezing on roadways overnight, leading to icy and hazardous travel conditions for Monday morning commuters.
Authorities advised extreme caution, and school systems responded with widespread delays. Major public school districts like Anne Arundel County, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County in Maryland, along with Loudoun County and Fairfax County schools in Virginia, all announced delayed openings, typically by two hours.
Impact on Universities and Institutions
The closures weren't limited to K-12 schools. Higher education institutions were also affected. Bowie State University and the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) delayed their opening until 10:00 AM. Other facilities like Fort Detrick and the Maryland School for the Deaf also operated on a delayed schedule.
The collective action by educational institutions across these regions underscores the severity of the winter weather event. The primary focus remained on ensuring the safety of children, students, and employees by keeping them off the dangerous, ice-glazed roads. Local news outlets like FOX5DC and NBC4I continue to provide updated lists as conditions evolve.
