are schools closed today

Are Schools Closed Today? Your Essential Guide to Chicago Area Closures Amid Winter Storm

Published: November 10, 2025
Last Updated: 6:00 AM CST

As a major lake-effect snowstorm sweeps across the Chicagoland area, thousands of parents and students are waking up asking one critical question: Are schools closed today? With the season's first significant snowfall creating hazardous road conditions, school districts across Illinois and Indiana have been forced to make critical decisions regarding closures and delays.

According to the National Weather Service, this potent winter system is expected to dump up to 10 inches of snow in some suburbs, creating a chaotic Monday morning commute. This weather event has triggered a ripple effect across the region's educational infrastructure, impacting over 1.5 million students in the Chicago metropolitan area alone.

Major Winter Storm Forces Widespread School Closures

The decision to close schools was not made lightly. It comes in the wake of a powerful lake-effect snowstorm that moved into the region overnight, coating roads and reducing visibility. The Chicago Tribune reports that this system is poised to "dump up to 10 inches on Chicago," creating dangerous travel conditions that prompted superintendents to prioritize student safety over instructional time.

"Safety is always our number one priority. With road crews working tirelessly to clear major arteries, we determined that a remote learning day or a full closure was the only responsible option," — Statement from a local school district administrator.

FOX 32 Chicago confirms that city crews are already out in full force, working to clear roads after this season's first big snow storm. However, the sheer volume of snowfall has made immediate clearance difficult, particularly in outlying areas and side streets where school buses typically travel.

How to Verify Your Specific School Status

While a master list of closures is available, it is crucial for parents to verify the status of their specific district. NBC 5 Chicago maintains a comprehensive school closings list for Illinois and Indiana, which is updated in real-time as new information becomes available from district administrators.

• Check Local News: Tune into local broadcasts for the latest "crawl" at the bottom of the screen.
• District Apps/Social Media: Most districts now utilize push notifications via apps or Twitter/X updates.
• Radio Updates: Local news radio stations provide continuous updates during the morning commute.

The Ripple Effect: Beyond the Classroom

The impact of school closures extends far beyond a day off for students. For working parents, particularly those in hourly or shift-based jobs, sudden closures present a logistical nightmare. The question of "where can my kids go?" becomes immediate and stressful.

Operational Challenges for Districts

Superintendents face a complex calculus when making closure decisions. They must weigh: 1. Transportation Safety: Can buses navigate side streets safely? 2. Infrastructure: Are school buildings accessible for staff? (I.e., are parking lots cleared?) 3. Power Reliability: Winter storms often bring power outages, affecting remote learning capabilities.

In the broader context, winter weather is the primary driver of school closures in the Midwest. While some districts have adopted "e-learning days" to avoid extending the school year into June, heavy snow often disrupts internet connectivity and power, rendering remote learning impossible.

Context: The History of Winter Closures in the Midwest

Chicago winters are legendary, and the region has a well-established protocol for handling severe weather. Historically, the threshold for closure was a foot of snow or temperatures below -20°F wind chill. However, as weather patterns become more volatile, districts have become more proactive.

This current storm marks the beginning of the "closure season," which typically runs from November through March. It serves as a bellwether for how districts will handle weather emergencies in the coming months.

"We are seeing a trend where districts are closing earlier rather than later. The liability concerns regarding bus accidents on icy roads outweigh the inconvenience of a missed day of school." — Meteorological Analyst.

Interesting Fact: The "Lake-Effect" Phenomenon

Why is Chicago getting hit so hard? This specific storm is a classic lake-effect snow event. As cold air moves over the relatively warm waters of Lake Michigan, it picks up moisture and heat, depositing it as heavy snow bands downwind. Some suburbs can see double the snowfall of downtown Chicago depending on where these bands set up, which explains why closure decisions often vary so drastically from one town to the next.

Immediate Effects: Commuting and Safety

The immediate impact of today's closures is a slightly less congested, albeit treacherous, morning commute. While school buses are off the road, many parents are still attempting to get to work.

Road Conditions: As reported by FOX 32, plows are running, but "black ice" is a major concern on secondary roads. The "chaotic Monday commute" mentioned in the Chicago Tribune is largely attributed to inexperienced drivers in winter conditions, combined with the volume of snow.

Regulatory Response: Local municipalities have likely issued "Snow Emergencies," which prohibit street parking to allow plows unimpeded access. Residents are urged to stay off the roads until the afternoon, when clearing operations are expected to be complete.

Future Outlook: What Parents Should Prepare For

As this storm passes, the question remains: will school be open tomorrow? Based on current trends and the volume of snowfall, here is the likely outlook:

1. Two-Hour Delays: If roads are cleared but ice persists, expect a two-hour delay. This allows plows to make a final pass before buses run.
2. Remote Learning: If buildings are accessible but roads are bad, districts may shift to an e-learning day.
3. Extended Closure: If power outages occur or wind chills drop dangerously low, back-to-back closure days are possible.

Preparing for the Rest of the Season

This event serves as a reminder to have a winter emergency kit in your car and a contingency plan for childcare. As the season progresses, the novelty of snow days wears off, and the disruption to learning becomes a significant concern for educators and parents alike.

Conclusion

For today, the answer for most Chicago-area parents is yes, schools are closed or operating on a significant delay. While the snow is beautiful, the safety risks are real. Stay tuned to verified local news sources like NBC 5 Chicago, FOX 32, and the Chicago Tribune for the most accurate updates regarding your specific district.

Bundle up, stay safe, and enjoy the snow day—responsibly.