North Texas Schools Plan Closures Amid Arctic Blast and Hazardous Conditions

DALLAS, Texas — As North Texas braces for an Arctic blast bringing dangerously cold temperatures, several school districts are making critical decisions regarding class schedules for Wednesday. With low temperatures expected to plunge into the teens and wind chills potentially reaching zero or below, schools are prioritizing student safety amid concerns about hazardous road conditions.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for much of the region, prompting districts such as Dallas ISD, Irving ISD, and Richardson ISD to cancel outdoor activities through Thursday. Other districts, including Azle ISD, DeSoto ISD, and Mansfield ISD, opted to cancel all after-school events to protect students from the predicted extreme weather.

In some northern areas, particularly along the Red River, districts such as Fannindel ISD and Greenville ISD have already decided to close schools for Wednesday, while others are evaluating their plans. A comprehensive list of school closures is available at local news sites, giving parents real-time updates on school safety measures.

While some districts plan to remain open, they urge parents to ensure their children are dressed in layers to combat the frigid temperatures. Fort Worth ISD emphasized its commitment to student safety, stating that heating systems will be activated, and staff will arrive early to prepare buildings for students.

The frigid conditions may persist through Thursday, but milder weather is anticipated to return by the weekend, offering residents some relief from the bitter cold.

Local authorities are also urging homeowners to winterize their residences in preparation for the cold weather. The Texas Department of Insurance recommends several precautions including replacing worn weatherstripping, insulating outdoor faucets, and ensuring gutters are clear to prevent water damage from freezing temperatures.

Additionally, pet owners are advised to bring outdoor animals inside to prevent them from suffering from hypothermia. The SPCA of Texas stresses the importance of recognizing that if humans feel cold, pets are likely to feel the same way.

In anticipation of the extreme conditions, the public is also being reminded to monitor their HVAC systems, check smoke detectors, and maintain fresh batteries for emergency lighting. Following these precautions can mitigate risks associated with severe winter weather as the Arctic blast envelops North Texas.