A winter storm is set to impact the Charlotte area on Wednesday, February 19, bringing a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain that could make travel dangerous. In response, several school districts have announced closures or delays, shifting students to remote learning or giving them a full snow day.
If you’re a parent, student, or teacher, here’s everything you need to know about how the weather will impact schools and travel across the region.
Which Schools Are Closed or Delayed?
Here’s the latest on school closures and delays for Wednesday:
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS): All in-person classes are canceled, and students will move to remote learning. All extracurricular activities, sports, and facility uses are suspended for the day.
- Union County Public Schools: No in-person or virtual classes—a full snow day for students. Teachers and staff have the option to take a workday.
- Cabarrus County Schools: Remote learning day for students. School buildings will be closed, and all after-school activities are canceled.
- Gaston County Schools: All students will shift to virtual learning, with school facilities closed for the day.
- Iredell-Statesville Schools: In-person classes are canceled, and students will participate in virtual learning from home.
Other districts in the region may also announce delays or closures, so families are encouraged to check school websites and local news for updates.
What’s the Weather Looking Like?
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Charlotte area starting Wednesday morning through Thursday. While snowfall amounts are expected to be light (less than an inch in most places), the freezing rain and sleet could make roads dangerously slick.
The biggest concern isn’t the snow—it’s the potential for ice accumulation. Even a small amount of ice can cause major travel disruptions, making roads hazardous for buses, cars, and pedestrians.
How Will This Impact Travel?
If you don’t have to drive on Wednesday, it’s best to stay off the roads. Ice can be more dangerous than snow, and untreated roads will likely be slick. If you must go out, here’s how to stay safe:
- Drive slowly and leave extra space between you and the car in front of you
- Avoid bridges and overpasses, which freeze first
- Check road conditions before heading out
- Keep an emergency kit in your car (blanket, flashlight, snacks, water)
Charlotte transportation officials are warning that conditions may worsen into the evening commute, so plan accordingly.
What Should Parents and Students Do?
- Check school updates regularly – Announcements can change, and some schools may extend closures if conditions don’t improve.
- Prepare for a remote learning day – Make sure laptops, tablets, and internet connections are ready to go.
- Stock up on essentials – Freezing rain could lead to power outages, so have batteries, flashlights, and non-perishable food handy.