ILLINOIS — As the state continues to feel the effects of this month’s severe winter storm and extreme cold, numerous Illinois school districts have announced closures, remote learning days or other adjustments for Thursday, January 29, 2026. The decisions reflect lingering snow and ice on roads, dangerously low temperatures and ongoing travel safety concerns across much of the state.
Southern Illinois Reporting Closures and Cancellations
In Southern Illinois, a number of schools have confirmed closures or cancellations for Thursday:
- Anna-Jonesboro High School — Closed Thursday.
- Johnson County area schools — Closed Thursday.
- Massac County Unit 1 schools — Closed Thursday.
- Carmi-White County Schools — Closed.
- Carrier Mills-Stonefort CUSD — Closed.
- Clay City Schools — Closed.
- Cobden CUSD 17 — Closed.
- Eldorado Schools — Closed Thursday and Friday.
- Flora Schools — Closed.
- Gallatin CUSD 7 — Closed Thursday and Friday.
- Bluford Schools — E-learning Day (students learn remotely).
These announcements follow ongoing hazardous conditions from the winter weather system, which dropped significant snow and left areas with ice and cold that complicates safe travel and operations.
Weather and Continued Safety Concerns
The severe winter weather system that recently impacted Illinois has left parts of the state with lingering icy and snow-covered roads and below-freezing temperatures, particularly in southern and central regions. These conditions remain a safety concern for bus travel and student commutes, leading many districts to choose closures or remote learning for Thursday.
Chicago Area and Other Northern Districts
In the Chicago metropolitan area, while many schools reopened earlier in the week, extreme cold and hazardous conditions earlier in the storm had previously prompted closures or shifts to remote learning in a number of suburban districts at various points this week. Families are encouraged to check with local districts for any late-breaking updates for Thursday.
Guidance for Families
Parents and caregivers are advised to monitor local school district communications — including official district websites, automated alerts and social media channels — for the latest updates on closures, e-learning plans or delays, as conditions can change based on overnight weather and road-treatment progress.
