Snow day(s) ahead? It’s not out of the realm of possibility. As winter weather quickly approaches, snow is likely for many areas of North Texas. Before the snow hits, many parents —and definitely kids — are wondering if days off from school are imminent.
Expected Winter Weather: Snow
As Local Profile previously reported, from late Wednesday through Friday morning, 1-4 inches of widespread snow is expected, and up to 6 inches possible in certain areas of Collin County. National Weather Service (NWS) Meteorologist Matt Stalley told Local Profile the NWS is still trying to pinpoint which areas will see the most snowfall.
Gusty northwest winds combined with falling temperatures will cause wind chills to drop into the single digits and teens. Until Jan. 12, wind chills in the teens are expected. There is also high confidence that travel will be impacted due to wintry precipitation from Wednesday through Friday.
One inch, for example, might not seem like a lot, but North Texas roads tend to get icy and dangerous — hardly ideal driving conditions for parents, school buses or kids walking, biking or, if they’re older, driving to classes.
Here’s how districts make the decision to close schools:
Frisco ISD
Closure information and updates will be posted at friscoisd.org/alerts
The Frisco ISD Emergency Management Department monitors overnight National Weather Service (NWS) briefings during winter weather forecasts. After these pre-dawn calls, district leadership receives an update on the latest forecast. Local emergency officials also share current street conditions, enabling real-time decisions on potential closures. The decision about closures or delayed openings will be made by 5:30 a.m. once hazardous travel conditions on neighborhood streets and major roads are confirmed.
District leadership considers several factors when deciding to close or delay campuses:
- The safety of students, staff and parents
- The ability of FISD buses to navigate neighborhood streets safely
- Potential disruptions for families needing last-minute childcare
- Closure decisions by nearby school districts
McKinney ISD
The district's Facebook and Twitter are the first places closure information is updated
McKinney ISD will not send notifications to confirm school is in session. Parents, employees and students should assume a normal day unless notified otherwise. Road conditions are assessed by district leadership to make a decision by 5:30 a.m., though sometimes it may be slightly later due to worsening weather.
During inclement weather, school opening or closure decisions are based on factors such as:
- Consultations with local emergency agencies and the National Weather Service
- Road conditions from transportation staff, public works and law enforcement
- Snow and ice accumulation, and continued precipitation
- Building conditions, including electricity and heat
- Parking lot and sidewalk conditions
- Temperature and wind chill, especially for students who walk or wait outside
- Actions of nearby districts
Plano ISD
Closures and updates will be posted on the Plano ISD home page and app
Safety and Security Services monitors weather conditions affecting Plano ISD, using sources like National Weather Service alerts, local media and online resources. They stay in contact with local emergency management during volatile weather. Each campus has weather alert radios and internet access to track conditions, and staff at individual campuses monitor local weather.
The decision to alter school schedules or to cancel school must be:
- Approved by the superintendent or designee
- Approved by the deputy superintendent for leadership and operations
- Individual campuses can stop or delay dismissal in an emergency when necessary for student safety
- Schools may be closed due to any type of severe weather including ice or snow
Tip: Want a snow day? According to an old wives tale, if you wear your PJs inside-out and backward and put a spoon under your pillow, a snow day will be in store.
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