School, college closings in Mississippi ahead of winter storm, snow
Colleges and high schools around Mississippi have started to cancel classes for Tuesday ahead of projected winter storms that could leave up to four inches of snow in parts of the state.
Dangerous road conditions are expected in South Mississippi all the way to the Coast, where parts could see a rare snow event.
Temperatures are expected in the teens across the Magnolia State on Tuesday morning.
Central Mississippi, including the Jackson area, Vicksburg and Meridian, could receive up to two inches of snow.
Snow forecast for MS:MLK Day forecast: How much snow will Jackson get? What is the forecast for Hattiesburg?
Temperature forecast for MS:Winter Storm Enzo: Here’s the latest on temperatures around Mississippi
What MS colleges have canceled classes?
Mississippi State University (Starkville campus and the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville) will open under “normal operations” on Tuesday. Significant weather impacts are not anticipated for those areas.
“The MSU-Meridian campus will shift to remote operations all day on Tuesday, Jan. 21, out of an abundance of caution as winter weather is anticipated for that area,” MSU announced. “A decision on MSU-Meridian operations for Wed., Jan. 22 will be announced on Jan.21.
Most Jackson-area colleges and universities have yet to make announcements for Tuesday.
The following Mississippi colleges and universities have canceled classes or gone to virtual learning on Tuesday:
- Belhaven University — “Due to severe weather on Tuesday, January 21, Belhaven University classes will not meet. Administrative offices will work from home.”
- Jackson State University — “Jackson State University will shift all classes and normal campus operations to remote work and virtual instruction on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, due to forecasted inclement weather. Prolonged freezing temperatures and the potential for minor snow accumulation have prompted this precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the campus community. Essential services staff are required to report to work during normal business hours to maintain critical campus functions.”
- Jones College — “The campus will remain closed, and all classes will transition to online instruction for both days (Monday and Tuesday). Students should log in to Canvas for further coursework instruction.”
- Mississippi College — “Mississippi College will shift to remote operations on Tuesday, January 21. This decision is made out of an abundance of caution as winter weather, including extreme cold, wind chill, and dangerous road conditions, is anticipated to impact much of the area. This includes the Clinton campus and MC Law. All classes will transition to remote instruction on Tuesday. Students should monitor their MC email and log into Canvas for course-related updates from their professors. Residence halls and campus dining in The Caf will remain open on the Clinton campus. Any student activities scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, are postponed.”
- MSU-Meridian — The campus will have remote operations out of an “abundance of caution.”
- University of Southern Mississippi — “The University of Southern Mississippi will close operations and cancel classes on Tuesday, Jan. 21 on the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses,” the university announced in a statement.
- William Carey University — “William Carey University campuses in Hattiesburg, Biloxi and Baton Rouge will be closed on Tuesday, January 21, due to anticipated winter weather. A decision about Wednesday will be made by Tuesday afternoon.”
What Mississippi public schools have canceled classes?
Several schools have canceled classes for Tuesday, and some have already canceled class for Wednesday. Districts encourage students and their families to monitor their official accounts.
Most Jackson-area and Hattiesburg-area districts have canceled classes. Jackson Public schools also announced that the Board of Trustees meeting will take place virtually at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and will be streamed live on the JPS ITV YouTube page.
“A link for public participation will be available on the JPS website before the meeting begins,” the district announced.
Below are some of the major Mississippi districts that have canceled classes to date:
- Biloxi Public School District — Closed Tuesday and Wednesday according to published reports in South Mississippi.
- Brookhaven School District — Closed Tuesday due to the inclement weather expected in our area.”
- Canton Public Schools — Classes have been canceled Tuesday due to hazardous road conditions.
- Copiah County School District — “Copiah County School District offices and schools will be closed Tuesday, January 21 because of the winter storm predicted to affect our area. After evaluating weather conditions tomorrow, the district will determine any further closures. “
- Gulfport School District — Classes have been canceled on Tuesday and Wednesday, declaring a rare set of snow days. “Due to the weather, all athletic events for Tuesday and Wednesday will be rescheduled.”
- Hattiesburg Public Schools — “In consultation with Forrest County Emergency Management officials, Hattiesburg Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. In addition, all after-school extracurricular activities, including practices/games, will be canceled. We will continue to monitor the weather conditions and update on school closures for Wednesday, January 22nd.”
- Hinds County School District — All schools and offices will be closed Tuesday, the district’s Website confirmed, “due to the possibility of dangerous road conditions.”
- Jackson Public Schools — Out of an abundance of caution due to extremely cold temperatures and potentially hazardous road conditions, all JPS schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. There will be no in-person or virtual learning. This decision was made in consultation with the National Weather Service.” No announcement has been made for Wednesday.
- Laurel School District — “Due to the threat of significant winter weather and for the safety of students and employees, the Laurel School District will be closed Tuesday, January 21, 2025 and Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Please stay safe and warm, and we look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Thursday, January 23.”
- Madison County Schools — “Due to extreme cold temperatures, wind chill, and dangerous road conditions expected in our area, Madison County Schools campuses and offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. There will be no classes in person or via distance learning. This decision to close was made in consultation with the National Weather Service and Madison County Emergency Management.”
- McComb School District — All schools and offices will be closed for the safety of the “students, staff and community.”
- Ocean Springs School District — The school district announced it will close Wednesday. A decision has not been made for Wednesday.
- Petal School District — “Due to a strong potential for winter storm weather and concerns with hazardous road conditions, the Petal School District will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. In addition, all after-school extracurricular activities including practices/games will be canceled. We will continue to monitor the weather conditions and be back in touch regarding Wednesday’s schedule.”
- Rankin County Schools — “Due to the potential of hazardous travel conditions and extremely cold temperatures forecasted for tomorrow RCSD will be closed on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. All schools and offices will be closed, and all activities are canceled.”
- Vicksburg Warren School District — The district will be closed Tuesday due “to the threat of inclement weather and near-record temperatures.” All school buildings and after school activities were also canceled.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more schools cancel classes.
In preparation for an upcoming winter storm and anticipated snowfall, schools and colleges in Mississippi are announcing closures. The safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff are top priorities as officials monitor weather conditions.
Many school districts have already made the decision to cancel classes for the day, while colleges and universities are also taking precautions by closing their campuses. This closure is to ensure that everyone stays safe and avoids potentially hazardous road conditions.
Parents and students are encouraged to stay updated on school closures through official channels, such as school websites and local news outlets. It is important to take necessary precautions and stay informed during inclement weather.
As the winter storm approaches, it is crucial to prioritize safety and heed any warnings or advisories from local authorities. Stay safe and stay warm, Mississippi!
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