Winter storm forces widespread Monday school closures across Memphis area as officials warn of hazardous travel

Closures expand as snow, ice and extreme cold persist

A winter storm that brought accumulating snow and prolonged subfreezing temperatures led multiple Memphis-area school systems to cancel classes for Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, as districts cited hazardous travel conditions and the likelihood of worsening ice on roads.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools, the region’s largest district, announced that schools and district offices would be closed Monday and that after-school activities and Y Care would be canceled. Neighboring suburban districts issued similar notices as forecasts called for continued dangerous conditions, with temperatures remaining low enough to allow refreezing and limit improvement on untreated streets.

Districts announcing Monday cancellations

By the weekend ahead of Monday’s schedule, several public school districts in Shelby County and the surrounding area had confirmed closures for Jan. 26. Among those canceling classes were:

• Memphis-Shelby County Schools
• Arlington Community Schools
• Bartlett City Schools
• Collierville Schools
• Germantown Municipal School District
• Lakeland School System
• Millington Municipal Schools

In DeSoto County, Mississippi, school leaders had not yet announced a closure at one point during the weekend reporting window, underscoring that decisions were being made on different timelines as conditions evolved.

Higher education shifts operations

Several colleges and universities also adjusted operations for the same period, with some moving instruction and work to remote formats. Changes included campus closures and modified operations that emphasized virtual instruction where feasible.

• The University of Memphis moved to modified operations, including remote classes and remote work through Monday.
• Christian Brothers University announced a campus closure Monday, with classes held virtually.
• LeMoyne-Owen College planned remote classes Monday.
• Rhodes College canceled on-campus activities through Monday.

What districts consider when calling a snow day

School systems across the Memphis area generally evaluate a combination of factors when deciding whether to cancel classes, including road conditions along bus routes, the ability of staff and students to travel safely, and the risk that ice will persist into morning commute hours. Some districts use internal teams to monitor forecasts and road conditions and coordinate with nearby municipalities and districts before making a final call.

District leaders have emphasized that closure decisions are driven by safety concerns that include transportation challenges, potential power outages, and rapidly changing winter conditions.

Calendar impact and next steps

Most local districts build a limited number of inclement-weather days into their academic calendars to reduce the likelihood of make-up days. Families are typically advised to monitor district communications for updates, including any decisions about subsequent closures, rescheduled activities, or potential adjustments if disruptions continue beyond the allotted weather days.