As a winter storm watch looms over the Dallas-Fort Worth area, local school districts and universities are taking proactive measures to prepare for the predicted extreme cold and potentially hazardous icy conditions. The National Weather Service has forecasted a mix of precipitation beginning Friday, which is expected to shift to freezing rain and sleet throughout the day, continuing into Saturday night before tapering off by Sunday.
Temperatures in parts of North Texas are anticipated to dip into the single digits overnight, raising concerns about dangerous road conditions as bridges and overpasses may become particularly treacherous due to ice accumulation. In response to the impending storm, several North Texas school districts are closely monitoring the situation, although as of Wednesday morning, at least five districts had not yet made announcements regarding the cancellation of Friday classes.
In Dallas ISD, the district has not provided immediate commentary on its storm response plans. According to district policy, Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde will determine whether to close schools based on road conditions assessed by school personnel, who will also consult with the National Weather Service and local authorities.
In light of the storm forecast, the Dallas ISD has already adjusted its athletic schedule. Varsity basketball and soccer games that were set for Friday will now take place on Thursday, while soccer matches originally planned for Saturday have been moved to Monday.
Richardson ISD stated it is actively monitoring the weather but had not yet reached a decision regarding any delays or closures. If changes are necessary, notifications will be sent out to community members by the morning of the scheduled classes.
Similarly, DeSoto ISD is collaborating with administrators to assess the situation, with Superintendent Usamah Rodgers expected to make a decision by early Friday morning. Other districts, including Arlington ISD, Mesquite ISD, and Fort Worth ISD, are also keeping a close eye on developments, with plans to communicate updates based on ongoing assessments.
Texas Christian University, Southern Methodist University, the University of North Texas, and Dallas College have stated that they continue to monitor the weather and have no current plans to close campuses or cancel classes; however, any changes would be communicated to students and staff as necessary.
As winter weather conditions can change rapidly, district officials emphasize the importance of safety in their decision-making processes. Parents are encouraged to stay informed and ensure their contact information is up-to-date to receive timely notifications regarding school operations during inclement weather. While challenging weather lies ahead, the commitment to the safety and well-being of students and staff across North Texas remains a top priority.