**Winter Storm Forces Widespread School Closures Across Lubbock ISD**
Key Takeaways:
- Winter Storm Fern has led to icy roads and unsafe travel conditions in Lubbock, Texas.
- Lubbock ISD and multiple surrounding school districts canceled all classes for Monday, January 26.
- Local universities and government offices also announced closures or delayed openings.
Lubbock, TX — The keyword “LISD” is trending as Lubbock Independent School District (Lubbock ISD) and several surrounding institutions announced a full cancellation of classes on Monday, January 26, in response to dangerous road conditions caused by Winter Storm Fern.
Storm Fallout Shuts Down Local Education and Government Services
Following heavy snowfall and below-freezing temperatures over the weekend, much of Lubbock and West Texas has been left blanketed in ice. The region is grappling with the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern, which brought significant snowfall and triggered fears of overnight refreezing. As a result, Lubbock ISD decided to cancel all classes and close administrative offices for safety reasons. District employees are scheduled to work remotely on a planning day, and limited meal services will be available for students from 10 to 11 a.m. at the following high schools: Coronado, Estacado, Lubbock, and Monterey.
Other area education systems have followed suit, including Frenship ISD, Cooper ISD, Idalou ISD, Floydada ISD, and Littlefield ISD—among more than a dozen impacted districts. Higher education institutions such as Texas Tech University, Lubbock Christian University, South Plains College, and Wayland Baptist University also canceled in-person classes. Additionally, City of Lubbock offices will remain closed Monday, while the Lubbock County Courthouse plans a delayed opening at noon.
Hazardous Conditions Across West Texas
The root of these cancellations lies in the lingering weather hazards. Though the heaviest snowfall may have passed, roads remain treacherous. Temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing until Tuesday, and ice is anticipated to refreeze overnight. According to local weather services and the National Weather Service’s Lubbock office, roadway conditions are particularly dangerous due to a lack of thaw during daylight hours. City and county officials have urged residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
In addition to school closures, this weather event has disrupted normal services across West Texas. Only two public libraries — Mahon Library and Groves Library — will remain accessible on Monday, designated as warming stations for those without power or heat. The combination of power outages in rural areas, unsafe walking and driving conditions, and wind chills reaching into the low teens have added urgency to public safety responses.
Ongoing Storm Response and Community Communication
Local school administrators are coordinating with emergency services to monitor conditions. Lubbock ISD issued its first alerts late Sunday evening, notifying families through online portals and automated phone messages. School officials emphasized that safety of students and staff remains the top priority. They encouraged parents to check official district websites and social media channels for updates about Tuesday schedules.
Texas Tech Physicians and TTUHSC Clinics will operate on a delayed opening schedule, beginning at 10 a.m. Monday. Other services, including meal provisions and virtual learning plans, are being adjusted to ensure students and staff can continue essential activities safely from home.
Notably, some campuses have responded innovatively to the weather’s disruptions. For example, Wayland Baptist University has transitioned all scheduled face-to-face classes to online formats, and faculty have been directed to communicate through BlackBoard and email. This readiness highlights the adaptability of institutions that became accustomed to hybrid learning models during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What to Expect As Weather Improves
The immediate future depends entirely on the weather forecast. Meteorologists expect temperatures to remain low through Monday, with a slow warming trend starting Tuesday. By midweek, most districts aim to resume normal operations, subject to evaluations of road safety and weather updates. Transportation departments across districts will be tasked with clearing bus routes and ensuring accessibility.
This round of cancellations illustrates how even a single winter storm can bring an entire regional infrastructure to a halt. With Lubbock located in a region unaccustomed to prolonged sub-freezing conditions, severe winter weather events like Fern have outsized impacts.
Local officials have stressed the importance of community resilience and preparedness. As storms may continue through January, schools and government offices are likely to remain cautious in their reopening decisions. Residents are encouraged to monitor local alerts and abide by emergency weather advisories issued through official channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is lisd trending?
A: Lubbock ISD canceled all classes and closed its administrative offices on January 26 due to hazardous road conditions from Winter Storm Fern.
Q: What happens next?
A: Warmer temperatures are expected by Tuesday, potentially allowing schools and offices to reopen later in the week. Officials will reassess road safety before making announcements.
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