Chicago-Area Schools Closed Due to Heavy Snow, Blizzard Warning

More than a dozen schools and districts in northern Illinois counties have closed or delayed classes.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:52am

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Multiple schools and school districts across the Chicago area were closed or delayed on Monday as the National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings and winter weather advisories in northern Illinois. Some schools announced closures on Sunday night, while others issued closures as heavy snow fell on Monday morning.

Why it matters

The heavy snow and blizzard conditions have made travel dangerous, prompting school districts to prioritize the safety of students and staff by closing or delaying classes. This disruption to the school schedule impacts families and communities across the Chicago region.

The details

In McHenry and DeKalb Counties, a blizzard warning was in effect through 1 p.m., with between 4-7 inches of snow expected. In most other Chicago area counties, a winter weather advisory was in effect, with between 1-3 inches possible. Across northern Illinois, most roads were reported to be 'covered with snow or ice' by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

  • The blizzard warning was in effect through 1 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026.
  • The winter weather advisory was in effect across most of the Chicago area on Monday, March 16, 2026.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency that issued the blizzard warnings and winter weather advisories for northern Illinois.

Illinois Department of Transportation

The state agency that reported most roads in northern Illinois were covered in snow or ice.

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The takeaway

The heavy snow and blizzard conditions have forced school districts across the Chicago region to prioritize the safety of students and staff by closing or delaying classes, disrupting the normal school schedule and impacting families and communities.