As a powerful winter storm sweeps through the Mid-Atlantic region, schools in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia will close on Tuesday, January 7, 2023. The D.C. Department of Education has announced that all public schools will be closed in anticipation of the inclement weather, with forecasts predicting up to 6 inches of snow. According to the National Weather Service, travel is expected to be hazardous, and the District Department of Transportation is advising residents to stay indoors as road conditions may worsen with ongoing precipitation.
In Maryland, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will also be closed, with officials stating that safety is a priority due to the potential for dangerous travel conditions. MCPS Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight expressed, “We want to ensure that our students and staff remain safe, and with the severe weather predicted, closing schools is the right decision.”
Virginia also echoed the closure announcements, with multiple school districts, including Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, shutting down for the day. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) indicated that the snow could create tricky commuting conditions for families and staff. FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid commented, “We understand the importance of education, but student and staff safety comes first amidst these weather warnings.”
Closures will affect thousands of students, and remote learning options have not been specified. Parents are urged to stay tuned for updates from local school districts as the storm progresses. Residents are encouraged to prepare for potential power outages and to keep emergency supplies on hand.
