**New Jersey Schools Announce Closures Amid Bitter Cold and Icy Roads**
Key Takeaways:
- Multiple New Jersey school districts are closing or delaying Tuesday classes due to icy road conditions and freezing temperatures.
- Frigid weather follows a major snowstorm that dropped at least six inches of mixed precipitation across all counties.
- A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect, with wind chills expected to fall below zero overnight.
Trenton, NJ — The topic “closings” is currently trending as dozens of New Jersey school districts announce closures or delayed starts for Tuesday, January 27, following Sunday’s major winter storm and rapidly plummeting temperatures that have created hazardous road conditions.
Storm Aftermath Forces Widespread Delays and Closures
The recent winter storm that hit the Garden State on Sunday blanketed every county with a mixture of snow, sleet, and rain, reportedly bringing at least six inches of precipitation statewide. According to Dan Zarrow, Chief Meteorologist for New Jersey 101.5, residual moisture combined with a sharp drop in temperatures has transformed untreated surfaces into sheets of ice, posing serious risks to student and commuter safety.
Districts across the state have announced either complete school closures or delayed operating hours for Tuesday, a decision spurred by the combination of slick roads, poor visibility in some areas, and frigid overnight temperatures. Gov. Mikie Sherrill confirmed that all state offices will open on Tuesday with a< strong> 2-hour delay after being closed on Monday.
Arctic Blast Amplifies Hazardous Conditions
A new wave of arctic air has pushed into the region, dropping temperatures to the single digits and prompting New Jersey’s third Cold Weather Advisory this week. Meteorologist Zarrow emphasized that overnight lows could hit 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chills dipping below zero, especially dangerous for those walking to school or waiting at bus stops. The combination of recent snowfall and clear night skies is expected to help radiate heat away from road surfaces, hampering efforts to melt the ice.
“We could really use a warmup to help with snow and ice melt — but unfortunately, that will not help any time soon,” Zarrow warned. He added that although sunlight can aid road conditions slightly, it will do little to combat the extreme cold and black ice concerns early in the day.
Recurring Weather Disruptions Impact Learning and Local Services
This marks the third time in a single week that New Jersey residents have faced disruptions due to winter weather, leading to increased frustration among parents, educators, and municipal service departments. Sunday’s storm added to a season already defined by instability, with utility crews, road maintenance teams, and school administrators racing to adapt to swiftly changing forecasts.
The continued closures also strain remote learning plans and put pressure on districts that had previously banked on minimal snow days for the academic year. Communities are being advised to check local school district websites or regional media updates for the latest notifications, as the situation remains dynamic based on how well ice melts during daylight hours.
Limited Immediate Relief from Winter Conditions
Forecasts show no signs of major warming trends through the rest of the week, suggesting that cold-related disruptions may continue. While another snowstorm is not currently predicted, the current conditions—coupled with leftover snowpack and arctic air—could result in a recurring pattern of delays or staggered starts.
Officials encourage residents to drive cautiously and allow for extra time during the morning commute. Emergency crews remain on alert, and salt trucks are expected to continue operating overnight in critical areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is “closings” trending?
A: “Closings” is trending due to school and government delays and shutdowns in New Jersey caused by icy roads and frigid weather following a recent snowstorm.
Q: What happens next?
A: Without a forecasted warmup, New Jersey may continue to see delayed openings and cancellations over the next several days as cold conditions persist.
#NewJerseyWeather
