Winter weather has caused significant disruptions across multiple regions, with various schools and institutions canceling classes or delaying openings due to dangerous conditions. Heavy snowfall and icy roads have led to school closures particularly affecting areas like southern Ontario and parts of Oregon.
On Thursday, February 13, 2025, many educational institutions, including Alsea School District, Eugene School District 4J, and several others across Oregon, were closed indefinitely as residents braced for the worst of the winter storm. Reports indicated heavy snowfall had created hazardous road conditions across the southern part of the province.
Hamilton, Ontario, also faced similar weather woes, with the city declaring school closures across Hamilton, Brantford, and Burlington. According to Environment Canada, residents faced risks of freezing drizzle and local blowing snow. By 9 AM ET, the weather agency had lifted the winter storm warning for Hamilton, but the advisory for freezing rain remained intact for surrounding areas.
Not only schools were affected; many community organizations, libraries, and recreational facilities shut their doors. Public transportation systems, including GO Transit and local bus services, made adjustments to their schedules, with warnings about delays and extended travel times. The Hamilton Street Railway announced on social media the possible delays and suggested allowing for extra time when traveling during the severe weather.
OPP Sergeant Kerry Schmidt urged drivers to stay home, emphasizing on social media, "Do yourself [and everybody else a favour]. Stay home and let the system pass." The Ontario Ministry of Transportation echoed this, warning motorists to prepare for hazardous conditions, highlighting the storm's impact on travel plans.
Schools within the Hamilton area including McMaster University, Mohawk College, and Six Nations Polytechnic also announced cancellations. Classes—both remote and on-campus—were called off, aligning with the precautionary measures observed statewide. Likewise, northern schools experienced varying degrees of winter weather impact, but alerts for conditions varied based on localized forecasting.
Farther south, Oregon's severe winter weather resulted in multiple school districts closing or modifying schedules. The Oakridge School District reported delays, and PeaceHealth clinics across the state announced delayed openings on Thursday, with some services postponed until noon. This pattern of delays or cancellations made its way up and down the state's educational system and across the healthcare services due to the treacherous conditions prevalent throughout many streets.
"This notice does NOT cover courts or legislative offices," was clearly stated in announcements pertaining to government services, indicating some sectors would remain unaffected by the school closures. But for most parts, emergency services and community health organizations urged caution and preparedness, reminding residents to stay alert during this period of extreme weather.
Across the state, multiple school closures were reported, with students attending classes remotely or participating in online learning when feasible. Several other institutions such as Lane Community College officially stated their campuses would be closed as well. The decision to close schools and campuses, albeit significant, was made to prioritize student and staff safety amid the severe weather.
With various organizations announcing their closures, public health services also emphasized safety, reminding families and residents alike of needed precautions during such drastic weather changes. The Health Ministry's strong stance earlier this week reiterated the importance of being aware of road conditions and staying off the roads barring emergencies.
Despite the winter storm's toll, community organizations managed to keep some services running by adapting to the quick changes. Although many branches of the YMCA and local child-care centers closed for the day, some organizations shifted to remote services. For example, agencies providing virtual appointments reassured clients they would still receive the care needed during this time.
Residents were advised to follow updates from local authorities, which have been active on social media platforms, providing timely updates. One notable post from the Ministry of Transportation clearly stated, "Significant winter storm should end today but not before getting a few more centimetres of snow," providing clarity on the conditions moving forward.
The response to these extreme weather conditions demonstrates the community's resilience as they adapt to fulfill educational and health needs. Administrators and local leaders alike urged persistence, reinforcing the key message: safety must always come first. Students, educators, and health workers are encouraged to stay abreast of weather developments to mitigate risks as the storm passes.
With hopes for improved weather on the horizon, many look forward to transitioning back to normal schedules once the roads are cleared and safety is ensured. For now, residents are urged to remain cautious and prepared as winter continues to exert its influence across the region.