Severe winter weather is causing widespread school closures across the U.S., with a powerful Nor’easter expected to impact New York City and the Northeast.
Severe winter weather continues to disrupt daily life across multiple parts of the United States. Heavy snowfall, plunging temperatures, and hazardous road conditions have prompted widespread school and college closures. A powerful Nor’easter is forecast to reach New York City on Tuesday, raising concerns about commuter safety across the Northeast.
School Closures in Michigan
In Michigan, several school districts in St. Joseph County announced closures for Monday due to dangerous icy conditions that developed overnight. This decision follows a weekend snowstorm that dropped up to 12 inches of snow in some areas, making back roads particularly unsafe.
Local administrators in neighboring counties are closely monitoring conditions due to similar risks. Rural districts remain the most vulnerable to closures across:
Oceana County, where road conditions are highly unstable; Newaygo County, where officials are assessing worsening ice buildup; Mecosta County, where transportation safety reviews are underway; and Montcalm County, where potential shutdowns are under active consideration.
In contrast, school systems in Ottawa County and the Grand Rapids metropolitan area are expected to face minimal closure risk.
College Class Cancellations
Severe weather has also disrupted higher education schedules in the Midwest. Iowa State University canceled all daytime and evening classes for Monday, citing dangerous travel conditions following the Thanksgiving holiday. While campus facilities will remain open, snow-clearing crews are actively treating roads and walkways. Staff unable to report in person have been advised to seek supervisor approval for remote work.
The University of Northern Iowa also suspended all Monday classes, allowing students additional time to return safely. In-person instruction is scheduled to resume on Tuesday.
Nor’easter Threatens New York and Northeast
Meteorologists are warning that 12 to 16 hours of rain and snow could blanket New York City as the Nor’easter moves in early Tuesday morning, around 6 a.m. Slippery roads and reduced visibility are expected to complicate commutes following the holiday weekend.
Other major cities likely to experience similar weather conditions include Baltimore, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Boston, according to regional forecasts.
Northern New Jersey, sections of the lower Hudson Valley, and parts of Connecticut may receive up to three inches of snow, while areas farther north—from Albany to Bangor, Maine—could record snowfall totals as high as eight inches.
Safety Advisory
Authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel, drive cautiously on untreated roads, and stay updated with local weather alerts. Students and commuters are advised to prioritize safety as winter storm conditions continue to intensify across much of the country.
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