SCHOOLS IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO CLOSE AMID WINTER STORM
A significant winter storm has led to widespread school closures across Southern Ontario, affecting various school boards.
On February 13, 2025, numerous school districts, including both public and Catholic institutions, canceled classes and bus services due to hazardous weather conditions brought on by heavy snowfall. Environment Canada reported up to 10 centimeters (around 4 inches) of snow had fallen overnight, impacting the London region especially hard.
According to meteorologist Daniel Sheldon, the region was experiencing light remaining snow with localized blowing snow. He noted, "There might be a little freezing drizzle mixed in, but amounts don’t look overly significant." Nevertheless, the icy conditions proved enough to halt education for many students on February 13.
The London District Catholic School Board and Thames Valley District School Board issued advisories stating, "All school purpose vehicles servicing LDCSB & TVDSB in ALL areas will be CANCELLED for the DAY due to winter road conditions." Consequently, all schools under these boards were closed for safety reasons. The announcements came amid confusion during the first hours of the morning, as parents awaited confirmation of school operations.
Multiple other boards followed suit, including Avon Maitland Public Schools, Dufferin-Peel Catholic Schools, and the Greater Essex County District School Board, with closures reported across different areas of the region.
Even French-language schools felt the effects, as Conseil scolaire catholique Viamonde and other institutions announced cancellations. The Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario reported closures were in effect following similar safety warnings.
“All busses are cancelled and schools are closed,” communicated the school boards succinctly, leaving parents scrambling for childcare and alternative arrangements for their children.
East of the London region, areas experienced even heavier snowfalls. London’s hospitals braced for increased traffic as accidents multiplied due to icy road conditions. Reports indicated significant traffic disruptions as people maneuvered through the snow-covered roadways, which delayed emergency services and school transportation.
Weather forecasts predicted more snow might come, with possibilities of freezing rain complicATING the aftermath of the storm. Conditions were forecasted to worsen throughout the day, with temperatures plummeting as the sun set.
An updated weather advisory warned residents of potential blizzard conditions, noting, "All buses are cancelled and schools are closed"—a clear directive for parents and guardians trying to navigate the logistics of sudden closures. Highway 401 also saw disruptions due to poor visibility and icy patches, adding to the challenges of transportation across Southern Ontario. Motorists were cautioned to stay off the roads wherever possible, and many heeded this warning as conditions intensified.
The cancellations spread across major urban centers, with the Greater Toronto Area also seeing schools shut down due to similar weather, disrupting the typical school day for hundreds of thousands of students.
Despite the challenges posed by the storm, the cooperation of various student transportation services, school boards, and meteorological authorities ensured information was communicated effectively. With many children remaining home, local communities adapted and assisted each other with babysitting duties, emphasizing the importance of community ties during these weather emergencies.
Authorities advised residents to stay informed and cautious as they monitored the weather developments throughout the region. "Safety is our primary concern for all students and staff," the boards collectively expressed.
Looking forward, educators and parents await updates on the recovery process as road crews work tirelessly to clear the streets. The potential for remote learning solutions has been discussed as another method to make up for lost classroom time to continue education for students when conditions allow.
While snow days can be fun for students, the serious nature of such winter weather serves as a reminder of the safety measures needed to keep communities safe and informed. Winter storms are unpredictable, and safety preparations remain invaluable.