Frigid Temps Preserve Delaware's Snow and Ice, Extending School Closures

Several Delaware school districts have extended closures due to hazardous conditions from the recent winter storm.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:55am

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A severe winter storm hit Delaware on January 25, dropping 2 to 10 inches of snow, the largest single snowfall since the January 2016 blizzard for the Wilmington area. The subsequent frigid temperatures have preserved most of the ice and snow, leading several school districts across the state to extend school closures and move to virtual learning due to hazardous conditions on roads and at bus stops.

Why it matters

The extended school closures highlight the challenges Delaware schools face in dealing with severe winter weather and its aftermath. The ability to make timely decisions about school closures is crucial for the safety of students and staff, while also minimizing disruptions to learning.

The details

Colonial, Christina, Red Clay, Brandywine, Smyrna, Caesar Rodney, and Appoquinimink school districts have all announced school closures or virtual learning on January 28 and 29 due to the ongoing impact of the winter storm. Key offices remain open, but families should check with their individual schools for specific expectations around asynchronous learning during this time.

  • The winter storm hit Delaware on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
  • Several school districts announced closures on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
  • Some school districts also announced virtual learning on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

The players

Colonial Schools

A school district in Delaware that cited hazardous conditions on side roads and at bus stops as the reason for closing all schools on January 28.

Christina Schools

A school district in Delaware that announced virtual attendance for both January 28 and 29 due to the ongoing impact of the winter storm.

National Weather Service

The federal agency that has been tracking the winter storm and providing updates on the potential for additional winter weather in the coming days.

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What they’re saying

“Hazardous conditions on side roads and at bus stops in many of our communities”

— Colonial Schools

“Ongoing impact”

— Christina Schools

What’s next

The National Weather Service has indicated that there is a 30% to 40% chance of at least a moderate winter storm hitting Delaware on Sunday, with the southern end of the state having the highest chance of more snow.

The takeaway

The extended school closures in Delaware due to the severe winter storm and frigid temperatures highlight the challenges schools face in dealing with extreme weather events and their aftermath. School districts must make timely decisions to ensure the safety of students and staff, while also minimizing disruptions to learning, which can have significant impacts on families and the broader community.