Central Ohio schools announce closures and schedule changes for Thursday, Jan. 29, amid lingering winter hazards
Closings extend after snow and cold disrupt Central Ohio’s school week
Several Central Ohio school districts announced that in-person classes will not be held on Thursday, Jan. 29, as the region continues to deal with lingering impacts from a significant winter storm system and a prolonged stretch of bitter cold. The decisions follow multiple days of weather-related disruptions that began earlier in the week, with some districts already cancelling classes for three consecutive days through Wednesday, Jan. 28.
While snowfall totals varied by community, transportation and pedestrian safety remained central factors in the decision-making: untreated neighborhood streets, icy secondary roads, and reduced effectiveness of road treatments in extreme cold can complicate bus operations and staff travel even after main routes improve.
Districts affected and what families should expect
School cancellation and delay lists are updated on a rolling basis as districts finalize operational decisions. In recent closures across the Columbus-area footprint, districts and local schools that have appeared on official closing lists include:
- Columbus City Schools
- Dublin City Schools
- Hilliard City Schools
- Olentangy Local Schools
- Pickerington Local School District
- South-Western City Schools
- Westerville City Schools
- Worthington City Schools
- Whitehall City Schools
Families are advised to confirm their district’s specific plan for Thursday, Jan. 29, including whether the day is treated as a full closure, a remote-learning day, or a delayed start. District guidance may also include updates for extracurricular activities, athletics, and evening events.
Schedule changes tied to closures
Some school-related events have also been rescheduled. Columbus City Schools, for example, moved a planned winter graduation ceremony that had been scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 29, to a later date as weather disruptions continued.
Why closures can persist after snowfall ends
School operations depend on safe bus routes, safe building access, and the ability of staff and families to travel—conditions that can remain hazardous when temperatures stay far below freezing.
In addition to road concerns, extreme cold can introduce other risks, including frostbite exposure at bus stops, difficulty starting vehicles, and mechanical problems in older facilities. With an arctic air mass keeping temperatures well below normal through at least the end of the week, districts have continued to weigh whether conditions meet safety thresholds for opening.
What to monitor next
As Thursday approaches, additional districts may add closures, delays, or remote-learning plans. Families should also watch for updates on childcare, meal services, and activity schedules, which may differ from classroom decisions. Further changes are possible if overnight refreezing worsens road conditions or if wind chills remain dangerously low.