How much snow does it take to cancel school?
There is no single answer — it depends almost entirely on where you live. School districts in the northern United States and Canada are equipped with large plow fleets, salt reserves, and experienced road crews, so they can handle significantly more snow before closing. Districts in the southern US, Pacific Northwest, and mid-Atlantic often have limited winter infrastructure and close at much lower thresholds.
As a general guide:
- Northern states (MN, WI, MI, NY, etc.): 6-8+ inches typically needed for closure. Schools are built to handle winter.
- Mid-Atlantic and Midwest (PA, OH, IN, MD, etc.): 3-6 inches often triggers closures, especially with ice.
- Southern states (NC, TN, VA, GA, etc.): 1-3 inches is usually enough. Limited plowing means even small amounts are disruptive.
- Pacific Northwest (WA, OR): Any accumulation can close schools in cities like Seattle and Portland due to hills and minimal salt infrastructure.
Ice storms are the exception everywhere — even a quarter inch of ice can shut down schools in any region because it makes roads dangerous regardless of plowing capability.
When do schools announce snow days?
Most school districts make their closure decisions between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM on the morning of the event. Superintendents or their designees drive the roads, consult with road crews and transportation directors, and check the latest forecast before making the call. Some districts announce the evening before when a major storm is certain.
Announcements typically go out through multiple channels:
- Automated phone calls and text messages to parents
- The district website and social media accounts
- Local TV news stations and their websites
- Local radio stations
- School communication apps (Remind, ClassDojo, etc.)
If you want to know before the official announcement, check the snow day calculator the evening before. Weather models are most accurate 12-24 hours out, and you can get a solid estimate of the closure probability well before the superintendent makes their call.
Tips for predicting a snow day
1. Check the forecast timing, not just totals
A storm that drops 4 inches between midnight and 6 AM is far more likely to cancel school than one that starts at 10 AM. The morning commute window (roughly 5:30-8:00 AM) is what matters most to school officials.
2. Watch for ice more than snow
A freezing rain event that coats roads with a glaze of ice is more likely to close schools than moderate snowfall. If the forecast mentions freezing rain, sleet, or an ice storm, the snow day probability jumps significantly.
3. Consider wind chill
Many districts have wind chill policies. If wind chill values are forecast to be below -20°F to -35°F (depending on the region), schools may close even on a sunny day with no precipitation.
4. Know your district's tendencies
Some districts are cautious and close proactively. Others are strict and only close under severe conditions. If your district has been slow to close in the past, factor that into your expectations.
5. Check the calculator after 6 PM
Evening weather models are the most reliable for next-day predictions. Check the snow day calculator between 7-10 PM for the best estimate, then again around 5 AM for any overnight changes.
Snow days vs. two-hour delays
Not every winter weather event leads to a full school closure. Districts frequently call a two-hour delay when conditions are expected to improve by mid-morning. Delays are common when overnight snowfall was moderate and road crews need extra time to clear bus routes, or when temperatures are extremely cold at the normal start time but expected to warm above wind chill thresholds by late morning.
Our snow day calculator factors delay probability into the overall prediction. A moderate snow day probability (30-50%) often means a delay is more likely than a full closure, while a high probability (70%+) suggests a full cancellation is probable.
Check your snow day probability
Enter your zip code to get a real-time school closure prediction based on the latest weather forecast data.
Open the snow day calculator