Washoe County, Nevada, woke up to a snow-blanketed landscape and a flurry of alerts on the morning of January 8, 2026. For the first time this school year, the Washoe County School District (WCSD) announced a two-hour delay for all its schools, a decision prompted by overnight snowfall and hazardous road conditions that swept through the region. The delay, which also affected several neighboring school districts and local colleges, was a direct response to a fast-moving winter storm that caught many by surprise after what had been, up until now, an unusually warm winter.
According to the Washoe County School District, every school in the district—including those in Incline Village and the Valley—would begin classes two hours later than usual. The delay extended to Mater Academy, Pinecrest Academy, Bishop Manogue, KidsLife Child Development Center, and all Storey County schools, as confirmed by district officials and local news outlets. In a statement, WCSD emphasized, “Classes will begin two hours later and winter bus stops will be in effect.”
The district also canceled all morning half-day early childhood programs for the day. This move, though disappointing for some families, was made out of an abundance of caution. As KOLO reported, “All morning half-day early childhood programs are canceled.” The district urged parents and community members to be extra vigilant during the morning commute. With students waiting for buses or walking to school at unusual times—and, in some cases, along less-traveled routes—officials stressed the importance of slowing down and staying alert. “Drivers are reminded to drive slowly and watch for children at bus stops or walking in the streets,” KOLO cautioned.
The overnight storm that triggered the delays was forecast by the National Weather Service in Reno, which issued a winter weather advisory late Wednesday for the Reno-Carson City-Minden area. The storm brought a mix of snow and gusty winds, with snowfall predictions ranging from up to a half-inch on the valley floor to as much as four inches in some pockets. According to WCSD and the National Weather Service, “Forecasters were anticipating snowfall could reach up to a half-inch on the valley floor into Thursday morning. Some areas may see up to 4 inches.” The forecast for Thursday, January 8, called for sunny skies and a high near 36°F, a sharp contrast to the stormy night before.
For the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), the disruption was equally significant. Nonessential campus operations at the main campus, the Redfield campus in south Reno, and the Wayne L. Prim Campus at Lake Tahoe were all delayed until 10 a.m. In a message to students and staff, university officials stated, “All in-person Wintermester classes before 10 a.m. are canceled. Instructors may conduct class remotely, if possible, and provide notice to students as soon as possible. Students are advised to check WebCampus for any updates from instructors.” Remote operations continued as scheduled, and the university encouraged instructors to use asynchronous or synchronous Zoom sessions or alternative assignments where possible.
Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) also responded to the weather, canceling all in-person classes before 11 a.m. Meanwhile, the Lake Tahoe Unified School District, which neighbors the affected region, ran on its normal schedule, demonstrating how localized the storm’s impact was.
The decision to delay school openings was not made lightly. As reported by the Washoe County School District, this was the first weather-related delay for the district since the school year began. The region had experienced a relatively mild winter until the night of January 7, when snow began falling around 7 p.m., continuing into the early hours of January 8. By morning, roads were slick and visibility was limited, prompting officials to act swiftly to ensure student safety. “A winter weather advisory went into effect late Wednesday for the Reno-Carson City-Minden area as a fast-moving storm brings snow and gusty winds,” reported the Washoe County School District.
For families and educators, the sudden schedule change brought both challenges and a sense of relief. Some parents scrambled to adjust work schedules or find childcare for the morning hours. Others welcomed the delay as a necessary precaution. Local officials echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that student safety was the top priority. “With the delayed start, students may be waiting for buses, walking to school, or traveling along different routes and at different times than usual—sometimes in the street,” the district warned. The message was clear: caution and community awareness were critical.
Winter bus stops, a seasonal adaptation for snowy weather, were activated throughout the district. These designated stops are chosen for their accessibility and safety during winter conditions, often located on main roads that are more likely to be plowed and less hazardous than neighborhood streets. This system helps minimize the risk for students waiting in the cold or walking on icy sidewalks. According to WCSD, “Winter bus stops are in effect throughout the district.”
The storm’s timing was particularly disruptive for university students taking Wintermester courses—intensive classes held during the winter break. With all in-person classes before 10 a.m. canceled, students and instructors had to pivot quickly to remote learning platforms. The university advised, “Students are advised to check WebCampus for any updates from instructors,” ensuring that communication remained clear despite the shifting circumstances.
Looking ahead, the weather forecast offered some comfort. After the overnight snow, Thursday was expected to be sunny, with a high near 36°F and light winds. The following day, Friday, January 9, was also predicted to be sunny, with a high near 41°F. This brief interruption, while inconvenient, appeared to be a one-off event rather than the start of a prolonged winter onslaught.
For those in Washoe County, the morning of January 8 was a reminder of just how quickly the weather can change—and how vital it is for schools and communities to remain flexible and prepared. As the snow melted under the sun, students, parents, and educators alike adjusted their routines, grateful for the precautions that kept everyone safe. The swift response from school districts and universities underscored the importance of communication and community cooperation when winter weather strikes unexpectedly.
As roads cleared and classes resumed, the region’s resilience shone through. The day’s delays may have disrupted schedules, but they also highlighted the collective effort to prioritize safety and well-being—a lesson worth remembering as winter continues.
