Middle Tennessee Schools Delay or Close Due to Icy Conditions

News Summary

Numerous school districts in Middle Tennessee have implemented delays or closures due to hazardous icy conditions following a recent winter storm. Schools aimed to prioritize student safety as roads became slick and dangerous. Certain schools closed for the entire day, while others delayed opening by two hours, allowing for safer commuting. Transportation officials are given discretion based on local road conditions. Community members are advised to stay alert for ongoing weather updates, as the risk of further severe weather persists.

Middle Tennessee Schools Delay or Close on January 14 Due to Icy Conditions

Middle Tennessee experienced widespread school disruptions on Tuesday, January 14, as numerous school districts opted to either delay start times or close entirely in response to hazardous icy conditions caused by a recent winter storm. The storm, which affected Tennessee and Southern Kentucky the previous week, left roads slick and dangerous, prompting school officials to prioritize student safety.

School Closures and Delays Announced

Among the affected districts, several decided to close entirely for the day, while others implemented delayed starts. The following schools announced adjustments to their schedules:

• Woodbury Public School: Closed on January 14.
• Lafayette Public School: Closed for the day.
• Carthage Public School: Closed on January 14.
• Smithville Public School: Delayed opening by 2 hours; bus drivers have discretion regarding additional delays or safety measures.
• Gainesboro Public School: Delayed start by 2 hours; bus drivers have discretion.
• Linden Public School: Opening at 8:30 AM with bus drivers having discretion to modify schedules.

Other districts may still be assessing weather conditions, and updates are expected throughout the morning as officials monitor the roadways and safety conditions.

Transportation and Safety Considerations

School authorities emphasized safety as the primary concern in making these decisions. Delayed starts and closures allowed for better road clearing and increased safety for students, staff, and parents commuting in icy conditions. Bus drivers in some districts have been given discretion to determine the safest routes and timing for student transportation, depending on the severity of roads in their areas.

Weather Outlook and Future Concerns

Following the winter storm, the risk of additional severe weather persists. A flood watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for parts of Middle Tennessee, with high flood activity forecasted up to 7 a.m. on Sunday. The area experienced prior incidents of severe weather and flooding, leading to closures last Friday, and residents are advised to stay alert to further weather updates.

Stay Informed with Weather and News Updates

Community members are encouraged to download weather and news apps for real-time updates. The News 2 app provides ongoing news coverage, including school closures and weather advisories, while the News 2 Storm Tracker app offers detailed weather alerts specific to the region.

Summary

In response to icy conditions following a winter storm, multiple school districts in Middle Tennessee canceled or delayed classes on Tuesday, January 14. Schools prioritized safety with some closing entirely and others delaying start times by two hours or more. Transportation officials have the discretion to adjust bus schedules based on road conditions. Authorities warn residents to stay alert for continued weather impacts, including potential flooding, with additional updates expected as the day progresses.

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Additional Resources

• AOL: Tennessee School Closures and Delays
• Wikipedia: Winter Weather
• Tennessean: Nashville School Closures due to Weather
• Google Search: School Closures Tennessee
• Fox 17: Nashville Tennessee Schools Closed for Illness
• Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closure
• WSMV: Tennessee School Closures Ahead of Winter Storm
• Google News: Winter Storm Tennessee