New York City Schools Close Buildings For Storm Remote Classes Ordered

As Winter Storm Fern barrels down on New York City, the city’s public school system is bracing for its most significant disruption in years. On Sunday morning, January 25, 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that all New York City Public Schools would close their buildings on Monday, January 26, due to extreme weather conditions. But unlike the snow days of old, students won’t be sledding in city parks or sipping hot cocoa at home – they’ll be logging in for remote classes, a decision that’s sparked debate, disappointment, and logistical challenges across the five boroughs.

The closure affects roughly 500,000 students spread across more than 1,100 schools, according to statements from Mayor Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels (as reported by ABC7 New York and The New York Times). The move, officials say, is all about prioritizing safety while ensuring the city meets New York State’s 180-day instructional requirement. “As snowfall begins to blanket our city and conditions become hazardous, closing school buildings is a necessary step to keep New Yorkers safe,” Mayor Mamdani said in a statement released Sunday morning. “Over the past week, my administration has prepared for this moment – ensuring devices are in hand, families are informed, and educators are ready to welcome students online. Our school system, and our city, is prepared to weather this storm together.”

The forecast is daunting. The National Weather Service expects between 10 and 14 inches of snow to fall across the region over the weekend, with snowfall rates possibly reaching up to one inch per hour at times on Sunday. Arctic air is expected to keep temperatures below freezing well into next week, with dangerously low wind chills overnight. The potential for sleet mixing with snow near the coast and along the I-95 corridor further raises the risk of icy, hazardous roads, as noted by Fox 5 NY. City officials, including sanitation crews, have been working around the clock to prepare: 2,500 sanitation workers have been deployed on 12-hour shifts, and snow plows are activated citywide once snow accumulates to two inches. “We’re going to be able to hit every single neighborhood, every single part of the city,” Mamdani assured, emphasizing that no New Yorker would be left wondering about the quality of service in their area.

But for students, especially those in elementary schools, the announcement came as a letdown. The city’s decision means there will be no traditional snow day—a cherished ritual for generations of New Yorkers. Instead, all public school students scheduled to attend class on January 26 are expected to participate remotely via laptops or tablets. High school students and those in grades 6-8 attending schools that serve grades 6-12, however, will have the day off due to a previously scheduled professional learning day, as confirmed by the New York Post and amNewYork.

This marks a significant shift from earlier messaging. As recently as Friday, January 23, the expectation was that schools would remain open despite Governor Kathy Hochul’s state of emergency declaration. But as the storm’s severity became clearer, the city reversed course. “Ultimately what this comes down to is safety,” Mamdani told ABC7. “If we have concerns about icy conditions or whether this would put anybody in harm’s way, we will always take the safer option.” He urged New Yorkers to stay off the roads and remain indoors while city workers handle the response. “Today is the day to stay indoors. Stay warm, huddle up with your family and friends,” Mamdani said, underscoring the seriousness of the weather event.

Chancellor Kamar Samuels echoed the mayor’s message, highlighting the extensive preparations undertaken by school communities. “Preparation matters, especially in moments like this,” Samuels said. “I am grateful to our school communities for the work they’ve done over the last several days – from stress-testing technology to securing buildings and getting virtual classrooms ready. This was a difficult decision made with the safety of every family in mind, and I thank you for your flexibility.” Schools have confirmed that families have the necessary tools for remote learning, and technical support is available through the city’s dedicated website or by contacting individual schools directly.

The city’s approach also extends to after-school programs, adult education, and other school-based activities—all of which are canceled for Monday. Some school buildings will serve a different purpose during the storm, opening as warming centers for residents who need a safe place to escape the cold. Charter and nonpublic schools, meanwhile, make their own decisions about closures, though charter schools sharing space with public schools will also be closed in line with NYCPS policy.

Mayor Mamdani’s handling of the storm is being closely watched. Having taken office just earlier this month, he faces his first major test of leadership. Navigating a snowstorm is often seen as a rite of passage for New York City mayors, and history has shown that missteps can have lasting political consequences. As The New York Times noted, Mamdani had previously expressed enthusiasm for snow days as a child, recalling sledding adventures in Morningside Heights. Now, as mayor, he’s had to pivot, citing the need to maintain instructional days and meet state mandates. “It’s not going to be a traditional snow day,” Mamdani declared at a Friday press conference. “That is a determination we’ve made.”

Not everyone is thrilled with the new normal. Some parents and students lament the loss of classic snow day experiences—snowball fights, sledding, and a break from screens. The shift to remote learning, while necessary, isn’t without its challenges. During a similar remote learning day in February 2024, widespread technical problems left many parents frustrated, with some calling it a “total disaster.” Still, officials hope that lessons learned from the pandemic and subsequent remote learning efforts will help smooth the transition this time around.

Elsewhere in the city, Catholic elementary schools in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island have opted for a traditional snow day, as announced by the Archdiocese of New York. This contrast highlights the differing approaches to balancing safety, instructional requirements, and the intangible value of a day off for students.

As the storm intensifies, city leaders continue to urge caution. The combination of heavy snow, sleet, and subfreezing temperatures creates a perfect storm of hazards. The mayor, chancellor, and emergency management officials are scheduled to provide updates throughout the day, and families are encouraged to check the city’s official website for the latest information. For now, New Yorkers are hunkering down—some with laptops at the ready, others hoping for a few precious moments of winter wonder before the city’s legendary hustle resumes.

In a city where the weather is often just background noise to daily life, Winter Storm Fern has brought everything to a halt—except, it seems, for the school day. For better or worse, New York is determined to keep learning, no matter what Mother Nature throws its way.