News Summary
Middle Tennessee faced numerous school closures and delayed start times due to icy conditions following a recent winter storm. Various school districts prioritized student safety, with some opting for a full closure while others delayed openings to assess road conditions. The ongoing severe weather has prompted residents to stay informed through local news sources regarding any changes. Flood watches remain in effect, indicating a need for vigilance as weather patterns continue to shift.
Middle Tennessee experienced a wave of school closures and delayed start times on Tuesday, January 14, as icy conditions left behind by a recent winter storm presented challenges for transportation and safety. The storm had significantly impacted both Tennessee and Southern Kentucky the previous week, resulting in hazardous driving conditions across the region.
Several school districts in Middle Tennessee were affected, with some making decisions to close entirely while others opted for delayed openings. Woodbury Public School and Lafayette Public School announced closures for January 14. Smithville Public School, Gainesboro Public School, and Linden Public School opted to delay their start times by two hours, giving bus drivers the discretion to assess road conditions before proceeding. Carthage Public School also closed for the day, prioritizing student safety in light of the weather.
Affected School Districts
- Woodbury Public School: Closed
- Smithville Public School: Delayed start by 2 hours; bus drivers have discretion
- Gainesboro Public School: Delayed start by 2 hours; bus drivers have discretion
- Lafayette Public School: Closed
- Linden Public School: Opening at 8:30 AM; bus drivers have discretion
- Carthage Public School: Closed
Residents seeking ongoing updates about school closures and delays were encouraged to stay informed as more school districts announced their plans throughout the day. A significant number of families rely on local news sources and apps for timely information, especially during adverse weather situations.
Weather Context
The current icy conditions are a continuation of severe weather events that have recently impacted Middle Tennessee. Just days prior, on Friday, January 10, numerous schools were closed due to severe weather and flooding, indicating a challenging weather pattern for the region. The unpredictable climate has stressed local infrastructure, with road conditions continually shifting as ice melts and refreezes.
Alongside the icy roads, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch for parts of Middle Tennessee, with expectations of heightened flood activity predicted to last until 7 a.m. on Sunday. Residents were alerted to monitor local conditions closely and take precautions as necessary to safeguard themselves and their homes.
Future Monitoring
As weather patterns can change quickly during winter months, it is advised that families download dedicated news and weather apps to ensure they have immediate access to alerts and updates. The presence of roads icy from snow and continued rising water levels can create unexpected hazards, necessitating vigilance from all community members.
In conclusion, the decision by various school districts in Middle Tennessee to close or delay start times was a proactive measure aimed at ensuring student safety amidst challenging weather conditions. As the winter season progresses, it is essential for everyone in the area to remain vigilant and prepared for further weather-related developments.
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Additional Resources
- AOL: Tennessee School Closures and Delays
- Wikipedia: Winter Weather
- Tennessean: Nashville School Closures due to Weather
- Google Search: School Closures Tennessee
- Fox 17: Nashville Tennessee Schools Closed for Illness
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closure
- WSMV: Tennessee School Closures Ahead of Winter Storm
- Google News: Winter Storm Tennessee

Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.