Central Ohio families woke up to significant disruptions on Monday morning as dozens of school districts across the region announced closures and delays following a substantial weekend snowstorm. The winter weather event blanketed the area with between 4 and 7 inches of snow, creating hazardous conditions that prompted administrators to prioritize student and staff safety over classroom instruction.
The widespread closures affected multiple counties throughout central Ohio, with districts from Fairfield County to Muskingum County and beyond making the difficult decision to cancel in-person learning. Other districts opted for two-hour delays to allow additional time for road crews to clear main thoroughfares and residential streets before buses began their morning routes.
Counties declare snow emergencies
Multiple central Ohio counties declared varying levels of snow emergencies in response to the hazardous road conditions. Athens County, Hocking County, Pickaway County, Pike County, Ross County and Vinton County all implemented Level 2 snow emergencies, advising residents that roadways remained hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Under Level 2 conditions, only essential travel is recommended.
Additional counties including Champaign, Clark, Coshocton, Crawford, Fairfield, Fayette, Guernsey, Jackson, Licking, Logan, Madison, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Noble, Perry and Scioto counties declared Level 1 snow emergencies. These declarations indicate that roads are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow, urging drivers to exercise caution and reduce speeds.
Major districts affected
Among the larger school systems closing for the day, Lancaster City Schools, Circleville City Schools and Newark City Schools all made announcements affecting thousands of students. Lancaster City Schools serves the Fairfield County seat, while Circleville City Schools educates students in Pickaway County. Newark City Schools, one of the larger districts in Licking County, opted for a two-hour delay rather than a full closure…