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Cincinnati Public Schools remained closed Wednesday, Jan. 28, marking a third consecutive day off due to snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures. District officials said icy roads, sidewalks, and bus stops posed safety risks for students and staff. The closures come as a major winter storm impacts much of the U.S. As a result, the storm is bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and extreme cold. According to the National Weather Service, frigid temperatures and hazardous wind chills are expected to persist. This has prompted continued school closures across Greater Cincinnati and neighboring states.
Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) will remain closed Wednesday, January 28.
This marks the third straight day off due to persistent snow, ice, and dangerously cold conditions across the region.
Cincinnati Public Schools officials cited student safety as the primary reason for the decision. Icy roads and frigid temperatures linger.
The closures reflect the impact of a major winter storm that has swept across much of the United States this week. It brought heavy snow, freezing rain, and life-threatening cold. According to the Associated Press, the storm system has caused widespread travel hazards, power outages, and numerous school cancellations beyond Ohio.
Winter weather shuts down Cincinnati Public Schools again
The CPS announced on Tuesday afternoon that they would not open on Wednesday, Jan. 28, due to safety concerns from hazardous weather conditions. These included snow and ice lingering on residential streets and at bus stops.
This marks at least the third consecutive day that the city’s largest school district has suspended classes this week. The closures began after a significant winter storm dropped several inches of snow across Greater Cincinnati over the weekend. As a result, unprepared roads became stranded and slick travel conditions developed.
District officials explained that icy sidewalks and bus stop areas posed serious safety risks for students waiting for transportation in sub-freezing temperatures.
Local weather forecasts show that temperatures will remain below freezing through the rest of the week. Wind chill values will reach dangerously low levels. The National Weather Service has issued cold weather advisories that warn of hypothermia risk and icy surfaces through midweek.
Parents and guardians in neighborhoods such as Bond Hill reported still-icy conditions and expressed relief at the decision to keep schools closed. “It’s too cold,” one resident said of the conditions at local bus stops.
Broader regional closures and storm impact
CPS aren’t the only district affected by the outbreak. Across Ohio and neighboring states, dozens of districts have also canceled classes on Jan. 28. In the Miami Valley, for example, more than 170 schools reported closures or delays due to continued winter weather impacts. This includes Dayton Public and several Greene County districts.
The storm that hit the region is part of a broader system stretching across much of the U.S. It is affecting transportation, utilities, and emergency services. National reports show hundreds of thousands of power outages, flight cancellations, and travel disruptions as the storm moves eastward. This illustrates the scale of impacts beyond Ohio.
Meteorologists have pointed to a combination of heavy snow, sleet, and plunging Arctic temperatures as the primary drivers of this widespread disruption, making travel unsafe and prolonging the risk to outdoor activities.
Student, parent response and safety concerns
While many families support the district’s emphasis on safety, some parents have raised questions about how prolonged closures affect learning schedules and instructional time. District guidelines allow closures for snow, ice, and extreme cold. Furthermore, the school system has protocols to monitor conditions and coordinate announcements with weather officials.
Local community discussion online shows mixed reactions, with some residents urging patience and caution while others express frustration over extended disruptions. Online posts reflect ongoing conversation about the severity of road conditions and weather advisories that continue to evolve.
Looking ahead: What families should expect
Officials with CPS have said they will continue to monitor conditions daily and update parents about potential openings or remote learning plans for later in the week. The priority remains public safety as forecasts continue to call for below-freezing temperatures and potential refreezing overnight.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to check official district communication channels for updates on Thursday school schedules, transportation logistics, and any changes to remote learning plans.
For weather information and advisories, families can consult the National Weather Service forecast and local news outlets for the latest updates as conditions evolve throughout the week.
FAQs
Why are Cincinnati Public Schools closed?
Cincinnati Public Schools are closed due to snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures that create unsafe travel conditions. District officials cited icy roads, hazardous sidewalks, and unsafe bus stop conditions as the primary reasons for the closure.
How many days have schools been closed?
As of Wednesday, Jan. 28, Cincinnati Public Schools have been closed for at least three consecutive days due to the ongoing winter storm and extreme cold.
What weather conditions prompted the closures?
The region experienced heavy snowfall, lingering ice, and sub-freezing temperatures with dangerous wind chills. According to the National Weather Service, wind chills reached levels that increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
Are other school districts also closed?
Yes. Many school districts across Greater Cincinnati and the Tri-State area also announced closures or delays due to similar weather conditions, including icy secondary roads and unsafe travel routes.
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