With a winter storm watch in place for Dallas-Fort Worth, school districts and universities are preparing for the extreme cold and icy roads.
The National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office warned of hazardous winter weather, with precipitation forecasted to start Friday before transitioning to freezing rain and sleet. The precipitation will continue through Saturday night and should end Sunday.
The service predicted temperatures to drop to single digits overnight in some parts of North Texas. Roads, bridges and overpasses are likely to become dangerous due to frozen precipitation.
North Texas districts are monitoring the inclement weather and at least five have not announced plans to cancel Friday classes yet, as of Wednesday morning. Still, the prospect of wintry precipitation has led to changes in extracurricular activities.
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Dallas ISD
Dallas ISD did not immediately respond to a request for comment about plans ahead of the incoming storm. No update had been posted on the district’s social media or website, as of Wednesday morning.
Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde decides whether to close schools in light of inclement weather, according to district policy. The decision will be communicated to parents and staff through local news outlets, automated phone calls and the district website.
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To inform the decision, school personnel drive through the streets near neighborhood schools and observe road conditions. They consult with the weather bureau, police and gas and utility companies, and their findings are communicated to the superintendent who makes the final call.
The looming storm has already led Dallas ISD to adjust its athletic schedule “out of an abundance of caution.” Varsity basketball and soccer games scheduled for Friday will be on Thursday, while varsity soccer games scheduled for Saturday have been moved to Monday.
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Richardson ISD
A Richardson ISD spokesperson said that the district is “closely monitoring” the weather and no decision has been made.
If classes are delayed or canceled, community members will be notified by telephone, email and text message before 5:30 a.m., as per district inclement weather policy.
Information about inclement weather procedures can be found here.
DeSoto ISD
A DeSoto ISD spokesperson said the district is discussing plans with administrators and will release more information once the district has a “clear direction” regarding inclement weather.
Superintendent Usamah Rodgers will make a decision by 5:45 a.m. whether or not to close or delay the start of school. Typically, that decision is left until early morning due to changing conditions, as per district policy.
Information about inclement weather procedures can be found here.
Arlington ISD
Arlington ISD is monitoring the upcoming weather conditions, and campuses will stay open as planned, a spokesperson said.
Superintendent Matt Smith will consider road conditions, high school drivers, the amount of snow, building and parking lot conditions and weather forecasts. He will decide whether schools ultimately close.
Information about inclement weather procedures can be found here.
Mesquite ISD
Mesquite ISD is monitoring the forecast, but no decision has been made at this time.
“Any decision related to winter weather is made with the safety of our staff, students, and families as the top priority,” a Mesquite ISD spokesperson said.
Information about inclement weather procedures can be found here.
Fort Worth ISD
The district said it is monitoring the weather and meeting with the National Weather Service. It will continue to evaluate conditions and share updates when information becomes available.
Texas Christian University
A spokesperson said there are no announcements on closures or delays at this time. Officials and TCU Emergency Management are monitoring the weather event closely and “there are multiple policy and planning meetings underway this week to prepare for scenarios.”
Information about inclement weather procedures can be found here.
Southern Methodist University
SMU is monitoring the weather and has no plans at this time to close campus or cancel classes, but will communicate with their campus community if something changes, according to a spokesperson.
Information about inclement weather procedures can be found here.
University of North Texas
UNT has no plans as of Wednesday to close campus or cancel classes, according to a spokesperson.
Information about severe weather can be found here.
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The DMN Education Lab is a community-funded journalism initiative, with support from Bobby and Lottye Lyle, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, Garrett and Cecilia Boone, Judy and Jim Gibbs, The Meadows Foundation, The Murrell Foundation, Ron and Phyllis Steinhart, Solutions Journalism Network, Southern Methodist University, Sydney Smith Hicks, and the University of Texas at Dallas. The Dallas Morning News retains full editorial control of the Education Lab’s journalism.