WFSB School Closings Disrupt Connecticut Amid Winter Storm

WFSB School Closings Disrupt Connecticut Amid Winter Storm...

Dozens of schools across Connecticut canceled classes or delayed openings Wednesday as a late-winter storm brought heavy snow and hazardous road conditions. The widespread closures, reported by WFSB-TV and local districts, affected thousands of students and working parents scrambling for childcare.

The storm dropped 6-10 inches of snow in parts of Hartford, Tolland, and Windham counties overnight, with wind gusts up to 35 mph creating near-whiteout conditions. Connecticut Department of Transportation crews worked through the night plowing major highways, but many secondary roads remained treacherous by morning.

WFSB's Storm Team 3 meteorologists had warned of the disruptive storm system since Monday, prompting proactive closures from districts including Hartford Public Schools, Manchester Public Schools, and East Hartford Public Schools. The station's real-time school closing alerts saw a 300% spike in web traffic by 5:30 a.m. as families checked for updates.

"We never take closing decisions lightly, but student safety comes first," said Hartford Superintendent Leslie Torres-Rodriguez in a 6 a.m. press release. The district serves over 18,000 students across 46 schools. Nearby, UConn canceled in-person classes at its Storrs campus but maintained remote operations.

Parents expressed frustration over last-minute notifications in some towns. "I got the robocall at 5:45 a.m. after already packing lunches," said New Britain mother Jessica Rivera, who now faces missed work hours. Regional superintendents acknowledged the timing challenges but emphasized rapidly changing weather forecasts.

The closures come during a critical testing week for many districts preparing for spring standardized exams. Connecticut Education Association President Kate Dias noted makeup days may extend the school year into late June for some students.

As of 8 a.m., over 60 school districts had reported closures or delays on WFSB's official list. The station continues updating its website and mobile app with new announcements as some districts evaluate afternoon dismissal conditions.

Meteorologists expect temperatures to rise above freezing by midday, reducing but not eliminating slick spots for buses. Another winter weather system is forecast to approach the region by Friday afternoon, potentially triggering additional disruptions.