Houston school closure: Over 50 districts call off classes on Jan 21 and 22 due to severe cold
A severe winter storm sweeping across the Houston area has caused more than 50 school districts to cancel classes on Tuesday, January 21, and Wednesday, January 22, 2025. The cancellations come in response to forecasts of hazardous weather, including snow, ice, and freezing rain, which are expected to make travel treacherous and unsafe for students and staff.
Several major districts, including Humble ISD, Katy ISD, and Montgomery ISD, announced the closures early Monday, urging parents and students to prepare for disruptions to their usual schedules. “Our priority is the safety of our students, staff, and families,” said a spokesperson for Katy ISD as reported by Fox26 Houston. The school districts, along with others such as Klein ISD and Conroe ISD, will also suspend extracurricular activities and after-school programs during this period.
Severe weather impacts thousands of students
The storm is expected to bring snow and ice to much of the region, particularly affecting northern and western suburbs. As temperatures are projected to remain below freezing for most of the day, icy roads and dangerous driving conditions are of major concern for school transportation. Many districts, including Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and Spring ISD, emphasized that they are closing to avoid any potential accidents or delays.
“Given the unpredictability of weather and the safety of our buses and staff, we’ve decided that canceling school is the best option,” said an official from Spring ISD, as quoted by Fox26 Houston. The closures, which impact well over 500,000 students, also reflect the growing severity of winter storms in the region, where such weather events are becoming more frequent and disruptive.
Colleges also affected by winter storm
The severe weather has not only affected K-12 schools but also colleges and universities in the area. Texas Southern University, Rice University, and Prairie View A&M University have announced closures, with several shifting to virtual classes on Wednesday. Texas A&M University, which canceled classes for January 21, cited unsafe conditions across campus and surrounding areas.
“We are urging everyone to stay off the roads and prioritize safety,” said a representative from Texas Southern University, as reported by Fox26 Houston. University officials added that students and staff should monitor email for further updates as weather conditions evolve.
As winter conditions worsen, many districts are planning to reassess whether to extend the closures into Thursday, depending on the severity of the storm. Parents and students are advised to stay informed through district websites and local news channels for real-time updates.
