**Winter Storm Forces Widespread School Closures Across the Midwest and Northeast**
Key Takeaways:
- Severe winter weather has led to widespread school closures in the Midwest and Northeast.
- Thousands of students in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan will stay home Tuesday.
- Authorities are urging caution as snow accumulation and icy conditions make travel dangerous.
Buffalo, NY — “Are schools closed tomorrow” is trending as a powerful early winter storm moves through large areas of the Midwest and Northeast, forcing hundreds of school districts to cancel classes for Tuesday, February 13. The storm has already dumped several inches of snow in key areas and is expected to bring freezing rain, sleet, and gusty winds throughout the night.
Strong Winter Storm Triggers Closures from Illinois to Maine
A low-pressure system that began developing over the central U.S. late Sunday intensified rapidly as it pushed east, bringing with it a mix of heavy snow, sleet, and ice. As of Monday evening, February 12, school closings surged across parts of **Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts**, and other northeastern states.
Districts in cities including **Buffalo, Syracuse, Cleveland, and Pittsfield** have officially called off classes due to dangerous travel conditions. Snowfall totals are expected to range from **6 to 12 inches** in some areas, with local National Weather Service offices issuing **Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories** as the system continues to intensify.
The Buffalo Public Schools district released a statement Monday afternoon confirming closures on Tuesday, advising families to monitor local weather alerts and prepare for continuing hazardous road conditions through Wednesday morning. In northern New Jersey, several school districts have also preemptively announced closures or early dismissals.
Snow, Ice, and Wind Combine for a Dangerous Mix
Forecasters are pointing to a rare mix of atmospheric conditions contributing to the storm’s severity. According to the **National Weather Service**, the collision between warm air from the south and an arctic front descending from Canada created prime conditions for heavy snowfall and flash freezing events. Roads that initially experienced melting snow will refreeze overnight, making morning commutes treacherous.
Emergency management offices in several regions are urging residents to limit travel unless absolutely necessary. In **Pittsburgh**, the Department of Transportation pretreated major roadways Monday morning and advised commuters to work remotely if possible. Meanwhile, utility companies in **Connecticut and Massachusetts** are bracing for potential power outages as icy conditions could snap power lines and tree limbs overnight.
The impact of this storm follows a milder-than-usual winter in many of these regions. Meteorologists note that this pattern break is driven by a rare Arctic Oscillation event, with cold polar air being forced southward into the continental U.S., disrupting typical seasonal weather predictions.
Schools Operating Virtually in Some Regions
While physical school buildings are closed, not all learning will stop. Dozens of districts with virtual learning infrastructure—introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic—are opting to shift to remote instruction for the day. **Detroit Public Schools** confirmed it will operate virtually on Tuesday, while other districts have offered students optional assignments or asynchronous learning modules.
Parents across the Northeast voiced mixed reactions. While many appreciated the concern for safety, others raised concerns about childcare challenges, especially for working families. Local municipalities are opening warming centers and urging residents to check on elderly neighbors due to falling temperatures expected to reach single digits in some areas.
What Travelers and Residents Should Expect This Week
Travel disruptions are expected through midweek. As of Monday night, more than **450 flights** have been canceled nationwide, most of them at airports in the storm’s path—**Chicago O’Hare, Newark Liberty, and Boston Logan** among them. Amtrak has also warned of possible delays on several Northeast Corridor routes.
According to the **Weather Prediction Center**, the storm system will begin to weaken by Wednesday night, but lingering snow in New England and black ice in mid-Atlantic states may persist into Thursday. Several school districts plan to reassess conditions Tuesday evening before making decisions on Wednesday’s schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is “are schools closed tomorrow” trending?
A: Widespread school closures across the Midwest and Northeast due to a severe winter storm have driven parents, students, and staff to search for updates.
Q: What happens next?
A: Snowfall and icy conditions will continue through Tuesday night, with most schools likely to resume classes by Wednesday or Thursday, depending on local conditions and power outages.
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