Kansas City Schools Close Amid Snow and Cold Weather

Snow blankets the entrance of a closed school in Kansas City.

News Summary

Kansas City schools are closing due to heavy snowfall and hazardous driving conditions. With snow accumulation of around three inches overnight, several school districts have opted for closures or virtual learning to prioritize student safety. A cold weather advisory expected to bring dangerously low temperatures further complicates the situation, urging residents to stay indoors. While schools are closed, many athletic events will still take place, and communities are reminded to report any additional closures to keep everyone informed during these challenging conditions.

Kansas City Schools Face Closure Due to Snowy Conditions

As snow blankets the Kansas side of Kansas City, schools are once again shutting their doors due to overnight snow and a nagging cold weather advisory. With around three inches of snow coming down, the Blue Valley, Shawnee Mission, and Olathe school districts have joined the growing list of closures. Meanwhile, Kansas City, Kansas, along with most schools on the Missouri side, have been navigating closures and virtual learning for much of the past week.

Driving Conditions to Blame

Road conditions have been less than desirable, leading to the decision of North Kansas City Schools to declare a home learning day on January 10. The Superintendent has noted the hazardous driving conditions that have made it difficult for parents and students to travel safely.

Just down the road, the Shawnee Mission School District has also opted for a closure on January 10, emphasizing the need to prioritize safety during these icy times.

Athletic Events Continue

Despite these school closures, it’s refreshing to hear that many athletic activities will still go ahead on Friday night. It looks like students are keen to keep their spirits up and enjoy some time on the field (or court), no matter how chilly it may be outside!

Cold Weather Advisory Looms

Looking ahead, a Cold Weather Advisory is set to take effect on Monday night. This advisory raises concerns about dangerously cold wind chills, predicted to plummet to an alarming -25 degrees. Residents are urged to stay indoors as frostbite can become a real threat within just 30 minutes of exposure.

School Closures Roll In

By 4 p.m. on Monday, four school districts, including Lawrence Kansas Schools, had already announced closures for Tuesday. Other districts are getting creative, with Raytown C-2 Schools declaring a virtual learning day to avoid the cold and snow while still engaging students.

Meanwhile, Olathe Public Schools, the Blue Valley School District, Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, and Park Hill School District will implement a two-hour delayed start on Tuesday, January 21, giving everyone a little extra time to warm up and navigate the icy roads.

Weather’s Impact Beyond Schools

The impact of this blizzard hasn’t stopped at school closures. The area’s frigid temperatures have forced businesses and government offices to close as well. Road-clearing crews have been out in near-zero temperatures, fighting the good fight against the accumulation of snow and ice.

In an effort to keep everyone informed, Tonganoxie USD 464 has also announced its closure for Tuesday, further stressing the need for safety amid unpredictable weather conditions.

Even Metropolitan Community College has succumbed to the weather, announcing that all campuses would close Monday and Tuesday. The 16th Judicial Circuit and Café Corazón are also taking precautions, opting for closures on the same days.

Staying Connected

As closures continue to roll in, residents are reminded that they can report additional school or business closures via a designated email to keep everyone in the loop. This is the time of year when we all need to look out for each other, so stay warm and safe, Kansas City!