OHIO — A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect across several parts of Ohio, with dangerously low wind chills expected through Sunday morning, raising concerns that lingering impacts could force school delays or closures Monday.
According to the National Weather Service, east central and northeast Ohio could see wind chills ranging from 15 to 20 degrees below zero, particularly in counties including Tuscarawas, Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Jefferson, Stark, Mahoning, Trumbull, Portage, Geauga, and Ashtabula. Conditions this cold pose a serious risk of frostbite and hypothermia within minutes of exposure.
While the advisory is set to expire Sunday morning, the aftermath of extreme cold can extend into Monday, especially for school systems.
Districts may face challenges such as school buses failing to start, diesel fuel gelling, and mechanical issues in older buildings, including frozen pipes or heating problems. In rural parts of eastern and northeast Ohio, students often wait outdoors for buses, where subzero wind chills can be especially dangerous.
School officials will also be monitoring overnight lows, which could drop well below zero again late Sunday night, increasing the likelihood of refreezing on untreated roads and compounding transportation concerns for early Monday travel.
Districts across the affected areas are expected to evaluate conditions early Monday morning and may opt for delays, virtual learning, or closures if temperatures and equipment issues do not improve.
