Record-Breaking Cold Closes Schools Across Midwest and Beyond

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Dozens of school districts across Northeast Ohio have canceled classes for Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, due to extreme cold temperatures. The National Weather Service forecasts a chilling 6 degrees Fahrenheit at 6 a.m., with wind chills plummeting to minus-7 degrees. Officials warn of the dangers of exposed skin in such frigid conditions.

Over 95 million people in the central United States face record-breaking cold as a polar vortex sweeps through the region. Andrew Orrison, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, stated, “Some of the coldest temperatures of the entire winter season right now across the central United States.” This severe cold, arriving on the heels of a weekend that resulted in at least 17 fatalities, has prompted hundreds of school districts to either cancel classes or switch to online learning in states such as Oklahoma, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Missouri.

In Kansas City, Kansas, temporary shelters are being set up for the homeless in a building filled with dozens of tents to provide warmth during this dangerous cold spell. In North Dakota, Bismarck recorded a shocking minus 39 degrees Fahrenheit, shattering the 1910 record of minus 37 degrees for this date.

Stephanie Hatzenbuhler, a local rancher, described the myriad challenges posed by the chilling temperatures, stating, “There’s always something new to learn and something new to experience. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve done this, so you have to adapt.” She referred to this cold spell as “the Siberian experience.”

Conditions worsened in northeast and central Oklahoma, where freezing rain and snow caused significant hazards. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol announced closures on US Highway 75 between Tulsa and Okmulgee, as vehicles and trucks became stuck due to icy conditions. “Our troopers are working to get salt and sand trucks to the area to treat the roads but it is extremely slick in that area,” the patrol commented in a post on social media.

Upstate New York anticipates a lake-effect snowstorm, with up to a foot of snow predicted in areas east of Lake Ontario, resulting in dangerous travel advisories. Snowfall across parts of the U.S. has reached up to 6.5 feet, particularly in southeastern Wyoming.

In Kentucky, already dealing with flooding from recent storms, officials are bracing for another challenge as a winter storm expected to bring half a foot or more of snow is set to arrive on Wednesday. Governor Andy Beshear reported the state’s weather-related death toll has risen to 14, with two latest deaths in Jefferson County attributed to hypothermia.

Virginia officials are also preparing for adverse weather conditions, with potential snowfall of up to a foot in southern regions. “If you are not where you want to be by midnight tonight, please don’t go,” urged Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin during a press conference.

In North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency, as forecasts predict up to 9 inches of snow in northeastern counties. The areas of Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro could see 1 to 3 inches of accumulation, while mountain areas may receive 1 to 2 inches. Officials anticipate freezing rain may cause power outages and hazardous road conditions.

There were no reports of missing persons following a levee failure in Tennessee that flooded Rives, a small community. Obion County Mayor Steve Carr remarked on the unprecedented destruction but confirmed that 75% of the city’s power has now been restored.

In McDowell County, West Virginia, three flood-related deaths were reported as schools remained closed and power outages persisted. The National Guard and local authorities continue to provide assistance where needed.

As communities across several states come together to combat the severe cold and accompanying weather challenges, officials emphasize the importance of safety and preparation in facing these hazardous conditions.