ALABAMA — Cold weather and icy conditions following the January 2026 winter storm—which brought snow, ice and dangerous road hazards across the Southeast—have led many schools in Alabama to announce closures and delayed start times for Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. School officials cited hazardous travel conditions, black ice on roads and extremely low temperatures in making decisions.
Confirmed Closures
Several school systems in north and central Alabama will remain closed Tuesday due to winter weather impacts and unsafe road conditions:
- Colbert County Schools — Closed
- Cullman City Schools — Closed
- Florence City Schools — Closed
- Morgan County Schools — Closed
- Muscle Shoals City Schools — Closed
- Russellville City Schools — Closed
- Sheffield City Schools — Closed
- Tuscumbia City Schools — Closed
(Closures are based on official district announcements and state closure listings.)
Delayed Start Times
Many other Alabama districts are planning delayed openings to allow conditions to improve before buses and staff travel:
- Arab City Schools — 2-hour delay
- Bessemer City Schools — 2-hour delay
- Birmingham City Schools — 2-hour delay
- Etowah County Schools — 2-hour delay
- Fairfield City Schools — 2-hour delay
- Fayette County Schools — 2-hour delay
- Gadsden City Schools — 2-hour delay
- Jasper City Schools — 2-hour delay
- Jefferson County Schools — 2-hour delay
- Midfield City Schools — 2-hour delay
- Attalla City Schools — 2-hour delay
- Tallapoosa County Schools — 2-hour delay
- Marshall County Schools — 3-hour delay
- Blount County Schools — 3-hour delay
- Boaz City Schools — 3-hour delay
- Cherokee County Schools — 3-hour delay
(Delays reflect official closure and delay listings from the Alabama State Department of Education and local school websites.)
In Huntsville, Huntsville City Schools announced a two-hour delay for Tuesday due to weather concerns.
Context for Changes
The winter storm that affected much of the southeastern U.S. left lingering icy patches and dangerously low overnight temperatures in Alabama, prompting officials to consider travel safety for buses and families. Forecasts of continued cold and the potential for black ice were cited in many district notices.
Headlines (Summary)
- Multiple closures in northwest and central Alabama due to unsafe roads.
- Delayed starts (2- to 3-hour delays) across many central and northern districts.
- Officials are monitoring conditions and may issue further updates as needed.
