Home / Disasters and Accidents / Winter Storm Shuts Down 450+ Schools
Winter Storm Shuts Down 450+ Schools
15 Jan
Summary
- Over 450 schools closed in Metro Detroit and Northeast Ohio.
- Heavy snow and freezing temperatures created unsafe travel conditions.
- Closures impacted areas from Michigan to Pennsylvania.
- Road crews worked overnight, but conditions deteriorated rapidly.
Widespread school closures occurred across Metro Detroit and Northeast Ohio on Thursday, January 15, 2026, due to a significant winter storm. Heavy snow and plummeting temperatures created dangerous road conditions, prompting over 450 school districts to cancel classes. Road crews worked through the night, but the rapid shift from rain to snow made travel increasingly unsafe.
The storm's impact was felt broadly, with areas from Michigan to Pennsylvania experiencing travel disruptions. In Pennsylvania, a crash on Interstate 80 led to significant delays. Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland, saw forecasts of up to 15 inches of snow, with speed limits reduced on I-90 due to slick conditions.
School officials across the affected regions cited safety concerns as the primary reason for cancellations. The closures continued as snow was expected to dominate the weather for the day, further complicating travel and daily operations for many communities.
