McHenry County Schools Closed Due to Blizzard Warning

Many districts opt for closures or e-learning on Monday, March 16th

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:05am

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A blizzard warning issued for McHenry County, Illinois has led to widespread school closures across the region on Monday, March 16th. Several school districts, including Crystal Lake District 47, McHenry District 15, and Woodstock District 200, have announced they will be closed for the day, while others like District 155 and Marengo-Union Elementary District 165 will shift to e-learning.

Why it matters

The blizzard warning indicates dangerous winter weather conditions that could make travel hazardous, prompting school districts to prioritize the safety of students, teachers, and staff by closing schools for the day. These closures disrupt normal school schedules and routines, but are necessary precautions given the severe weather forecast.

The details

The National Weather Service has placed McHenry County under a blizzard warning, urging residents to only travel if absolutely necessary. In response, many local school districts have opted to close their buildings for the day and, in some cases, shift to e-learning to continue instruction remotely.

  • The blizzard warning was issued late Sunday, March 15th.
  • School districts announced their closures on Sunday evening, March 15th, to be effective on Monday, March 16th.

The players

Crystal Lake District 47

A school district serving the Crystal Lake, Illinois area that has closed all of its schools for Monday, March 16th.

McHenry District 15

A school district in McHenry, Illinois that has canceled classes and all before- and after-school activities for Monday, March 16th.

Woodstock District 200

A school district in Woodstock, Illinois that has announced the cancellation of classes for Monday, March 16th.

District 155

A school district based in Crystal Lake, Illinois that will have an e-learning day on Monday, March 16th.

Marengo-Union Elementary District 165

A school district serving the Marengo and Union, Illinois areas that will shift to e-learning on Monday, March 16th due to the blizzard warning.

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The takeaway

The blizzard warning in McHenry County has prompted a coordinated response from local school districts, who are prioritizing the safety of students, teachers, and staff by closing schools or transitioning to remote e-learning for the day. These closures underscore the importance of preparedness and flexibility in the face of severe winter weather conditions.