NORTH CAROLINA — Snow and cold weather expected Monday could disrupt school schedules across large swaths of North Carolina, as districts prepare for potentially hazardous travel conditions, according to current advisories from the National Weather Service (NWS).
Widespread Advisory Covers Piedmont, Coastal, and Mountain Areas
The NWS has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from 7 a.m. Monday to noon Tuesday for the state’s northern Piedmont and northern Coastal Plain, including counties such as Person, Granville, Vance, Wake, Durham, Orange, Guilford, Forsyth, Alamance, Nash, Edgecombe, Franklin, Johnston, Wilson, and others.
Forecasters expect snowfall between a dusting and 2 inches in many of these areas — with up to 2 inches near the North Carolina–Virginia border.
In western and mountainous portions of the state, higher elevations are forecast to receive 3 to 4 inches of snow, particularly in areas above 3,500 feet, such as the highlands of Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties.
Roads Could Be Slippery; Black Ice a Concern Tuesday Morning
In addition to accumulating snow, officials warn that rapidly dropping temperatures Monday night could produce patchy black ice — especially on bridges, overpasses and untreated roads — raising the risk of hazardous driving conditions during Tuesday’s morning commute.
How School Districts Make Closure Decisions
In North Carolina, decisions about school closings or delays are made locally by each school district. Superintendents typically weigh factors such as weather forecasts, road and highway conditions, and the safety of bus and car travel.
Many districts aim to announce closures by late evening before a potential storm, or early Monday morning if conditions worsen overnight.
What Could Happen Monday and Tuesday
Because snow and ice may affect large parts of the state — from the Piedmont and Coastal Plain to the mountains — some school districts may opt to close or delay start times Monday. Others may wait until early Monday morning to decide, depending on actual road and weather conditions.
In mountainous or rural areas with steep, winding roads, even minor snow or ice could pose significant hazards for school buses, prompting caution. In lower-lying urban or suburban areas, even light snow or black ice may be enough to disrupt travel safely for students and staff.
What Parents Should Do
Parents and guardians are advised to stay alert for school district announcements overnight into Monday morning. Schools typically notify families via district websites, phone calls, email, social media, and text alerts.
It’s also a good idea to monitor local weather and road conditions using trusted sources, and factor in extra travel time or alternate plans if snow or ice develops.
