Area schools close early ahead of major winter storm

(ABC 6 News) – In anticipation of the major winter storm and potential blizzard expected to hit our area this week. Rochester Public schools is closing the district on Thursday.

Wednesday will be the last day of school before winter break. Several after school activities have been canceled Wednesday afternoon and evening. To view them, CLICK HERE.

RPS is canceling school Thursday, 12/22/22, in anticipation of the predicted impending winter storm and potential blizzard. We are monitoring Wednesday afternoon/evening activities. More information at https://t.co/zGSqOQQ5ay.

— Rochester Public Schools (@RPS535) December 20, 2022

Austin Public Schools will also be closed Thursday Dec. 22.

SCHOOL ALERT
– All after school activities today, 12/21/22, will be cancelled/postponed.
– Austin Public Schools will be CLOSED tomorrow, 12/22/22, due to inclement weather and poor road conditions.

More information: https://t.co/Jo1LQvfjrA pic.twitter.com/qX8GEn57GG

— APS (@isd492) December 21, 2022

Due to predicted temperatures and windchill Friday morning, Hayfield Schools is also making an adjustment.

“With Christmas Break starting on Friday I want to give parents & students the opportunity to plan accordingly, so I am cancelling school for Friday Dec. 23rd.”

The projected temp at Friday morning pick up is -40 windchill would trigger a 2 hour late start. With Christmas Break starting on Friday I want to give parents & students the opportunity to plan accordingly, so I am cancelling school for Friday Dec. 23rd.
Gregg Slaathaug pic.twitter.com/kGRpKt3HCQ

— Hayfield Schools (@HayfieldSchools) December 20, 2022

Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) announced the campus will be closed on Thursday. As previously announced, the campus will remain closed for Christmas break from Dec. 23-26.

Due to inclement weather, the RCTC Campus will be closed on Thursday, December 22, 2022. This campus closure will begin at 11:30 pm Wednesday and run through Thursday. As previously announced, the campus will remain closed from December 23-26, 2022. pic.twitter.com/cKMkakLLi2

— Rochester Community and Technical College (@RochesterCTC) December 21, 2022

Minnesota State College Southeast announced their Red Wing and Winona campuses will be closed Thursday Dec. 22 and Friday Dec. 23.

CAMPUSES CLOSED DEC. 22 & 23 – Due to the winter storm warning for heavy snow, blizzard conditions, and dangerously cold wind chills, our Red Wing and Winona campuses will be closed on Thursday and Friday this week. Stay safe. #blizzardwarning #MSCSoutheastCares

— MN State Southeast (@MSCSoutheast) December 21, 2022

Dozens of other area schools, churches and businesses have also announced closures. View the entire list by clicking HERE.