Snow and Ice Cause Multiple School Closings and Delays Wednesday Morning in DMV Area

A winter storm impacting the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area has caused multiple school closings and delays for Wednesday, January 28. Snow and ice accumulation prompted local school districts in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia to alter their schedules to ensure student and staff safety.

Authorities issued a Cold Weather Advisory as icy conditions persisted across the region. This weather advisory influenced decisions by school officials to either cancel classes or delay start times. The safety risks associated with slick roads and impaired visibility were central to these adjustments.

Districts across the three jurisdictions announced changes early to allow families to prepare accordingly. Some schools opted for a full closure, while others implemented delayed openings, often by one or two hours. These measures aimed to provide extra time for road crews to treat streets and for temperatures to rise.

Below is a summary of key school closures and delays reported:

1. Washington, D.C.: Several public schools declared closures due to hazardous travel conditions. Delays ranged from one to two hours for remaining in-person activities.
2. Maryland: Multiple counties, including Montgomery and Prince George’s, announced delays or cancellations. Some schools transitioned to remote learning for the day.
3. Virginia: Selected districts, including Fairfax and Arlington, reported delayed start times or closures, particularly in areas hardest hit by ice.

Local meteorologists emphasized remaining vigilant as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day, maintaining a heightened risk of frost and black ice. Officials continue monitoring road conditions before allowing full resumption of normal school operations.

For families needing continuous updates, FOX 5 and FOX LOCAL provided 24-hour coverage and resources accessible on smart devices and TVs. This service offered weather forecasts, snow advisories, and details on closures to help communities stay informed.

The evolving winter weather underscores the importance of timely communication between school districts and residents. It also highlights ongoing challenges faced during winter months in the DMV area, balancing education continuity with public safety amid unpredictable storms.