School Closings & Delays: Updates For Minnesota & Wisconsin Today
Are you prepared for the unpredictable dance of winter weather and its impact on your daily routine? Navigating school closures and delays in Minnesota and Wisconsin requires vigilance and a reliable source of information to ensure the safety and well-being of students, families, and the community.
The information provided on this page reflects the most current updates. Please refresh your page frequently to stay informed about the latest school closings and delays. As of the latest report, a dynamic situation is unfolding across Minnesota and Wisconsin, with schools and districts adapting to changing weather conditions. The information is being updated as conditions change.
The twin cities metro area, including Minneapolis and St. Paul, along with the broader metro area, are experiencing school and business closures and delays. Severe weather has struck, and the school alert system on 5 Eyewitness News is providing real-time updates. Count on WQIO to inform you about school closings, with alerts available on WQIO news, www.wqio.com, and the WQIO mobile app. The WQIO storm track weather is actively monitoring the storms to keep you informed.
With the continuation of extreme cold on Tuesday, a large number of schools across Minnesota and Wisconsin announced closures and delays. Multiple school districts are reporting delays and closings on Thursday. This is due to a spring snowstorm that impacted Minnesota on Wednesday, causing continued disruption on Thursday. Also, multiple school districts have canceled after-school activities, including Minneapolis and St. Paul.
You can find comprehensive information on closings, delays, and snow emergencies in this space. This report was generated on March 6, 2025, at 02:46. A spring snowstorm that swept through Minnesota on Wednesday continues to cause delays in many school districts on Thursday. School closures due to the extreme cold have become a recurring theme this winter, adding another layer of complexity for families and schools to manage. In Minneapolis, dozens of Minnesota and Wisconsin schools are reporting closings and delays on Thursday amid the biggest challenges.
Most schools are closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, but some of those scheduled to open are also closing due to dangerous wind chills. For a list of Minnesota school closures for Tuesday, January 21, click here. See if your school is delayed or closed today. School closings and delays are updated for Wednesday, March 19, 2025. The impact of winter weather in Minnesota is a constant factor, and in making decisions on school closures, student safety is the foremost priority. Schools may be closed, delayed, or canceled due to weather conditions.
Here's a table that summarizes the school closures and delays:
| Location | Date | Reason | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota & Wisconsin | Ongoing | Extreme Cold/Snowstorm | Hundreds of schools affected by closures and delays. |
| Minneapolis & St. Paul Metro Area | Thursday, March 6, 2025 | Spring Snowstorm | Delays and closures reported. After-school activities canceled. |
| Various Districts | Thursday, March 6, 2025 | Weather Conditions | Multiple districts reporting delays and closings. |
| Various Districts | Tuesday, January 21 (Past) | Extreme Cold | List of closures available (link provided previously). |
| Rochester & Austin Public Schools | February 18 (Past) | Weather Conditions | Classes were called off. |
As of 7:30 a.m., at least 26 schools reported closures or delays of some kind. A noon report for Minnesota from January provides another data point. The list of school closures in Minnesota and surrounding areas is regularly updated. The most recent updates regarding school closures from KTTC can be found here.
Navigating the challenges of school closures and delays requires a proactive approach. Families should have a plan in place for childcare and alternative learning arrangements when schools are closed. Keeping informed about weather conditions and regularly checking official sources is critical. This includes local news outlets, school district websites, and mobile apps. Consider setting up alerts to receive timely notifications about closures and delays. Furthermore, it's helpful to understand the school district's policies regarding closures and delays, which often factor in wind chill warnings, snow accumulation, and road conditions. Make sure your children are dressed appropriately for the weather and have a safe route to and from school if conditions permit.
The decision-making process behind school closures and delays involves careful consideration of multiple factors. School officials assess the severity of the weather, the potential hazards for students and staff, and the impact on transportation. Collaboration with local emergency management agencies and meteorologists provides critical information. Student safety remains the top priority, with a focus on protecting children from extreme temperatures, hazardous road conditions, and other weather-related dangers. The timing of the decision also considers the time needed for communication, particularly for families who may need to make alternative arrangements.
For families needing to find parking during snow emergencies in Minnesota, local authorities provide detailed information on designated parking locations. These areas are designed to ensure that snowplows can clear streets effectively. This information, alongside details on snow emergency declarations, is typically available on city and county websites or local news outlets. Familiarizing yourself with snow emergency routes is essential to avoid parking tickets or vehicle towing during winter weather events.
The impact of school closures and delays reaches far beyond the classroom. Parents may face challenges in balancing work and childcare, while students may miss valuable instruction time. The local economy can also be affected, as parents may stay home from work, and businesses could experience reduced customer traffic. Schools often try to minimize the disruption of learning. This includes providing online resources, assigning take-home assignments, or extending the school year if necessary. The community's ability to adapt to the changing weather and support each other becomes increasingly important.
Weather patterns can vary significantly across different regions of Minnesota and Wisconsin. What might be a minor snow shower in one area could result in dangerous road conditions in another. Schools must assess local conditions before making any decisions. Stay aware of your specific area's forecasts and adhere to any local advisories or warnings. Keeping an eye on the weather report allows you to proactively plan for possible school closures or delays, and this will reduce last-minute stress and the safety of you and your loved ones is ensured.
Winter weather in Minnesota is a familiar and challenging fact of life, but it should be managed carefully and with full awareness. The ongoing collaboration between schools, local governments, and media outlets helps to keep families informed. Remaining adaptable and prepared for unexpected changes is crucial for effectively managing the impact of weather-related school closures and delays. This coordinated effort is what ensures student safety while promoting continuity in education. Schools and their associated entities will continue to monitor the weather closely and provide timely information, keeping students and their families informed.
