Slick Roads Force Minnesota Schools to Delay or Cancel Classes

Slick Roads Force Minnesota Schools to Delay or Cancel Classes

Slick Roads Force Minnesota Schools to Delay or Cancel Classes

If you’re waking up in Minnesota this Tuesday morning, chances are the weather is already shaping your day—and for many families, that means school plans have been turned upside down. Across Minnesota and parts of western Wisconsin, a mix of rain, freezing rain, fog, and slushy road conditions has led to numerous school closings and delayed starts for Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

Overnight and into the early morning hours, rain moved into the region, and in some areas it froze on contact with roads and sidewalks. That slick layer of ice, combined with reduced visibility from dense fog, made the morning commute especially risky. Because of these conditions, decisions were made early by school officials to either delay the start of classes or cancel them altogether. Safety concerns were clearly at the center of those calls, especially for buses, student drivers, and staff traveling in from rural areas.

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In the Twin Cities and surrounding communities, several districts announced two-hour delays, while others chose full closures. Similar moves were seen across western Wisconsin, with some districts delaying classes and at least one opting to shut down schools for the day. These announcements continued to roll in throughout the early morning as conditions were monitored in real time.

Drivers across the metro were urged to slow down, and a winter weather advisory was issued through midday. Authorities responded to multiple spinouts and minor crashes, particularly on highways like Interstate 35W, where icy patches were reported. A NEXT Drive Alert was also issued, warning commuters that travel could be hazardous during the morning hours.

The good news is that conditions were expected to improve as the day went on. Temperatures were forecast to rise gradually, allowing rain to wash away much of the ice buildup. By late morning and afternoon, roads were expected to become safer, and travel conditions were predicted to stabilize. Still, officials emphasized caution, noting that shaded areas and bridges could remain slippery longer than expected.

Looking ahead, the rest of the week is shaping up to be relatively mild for January in Minnesota. While gloomy skies may stick around, temperatures are expected to stay above extreme winter levels. However, forecasters are already watching another potential winter system that could arrive over the weekend, which may once again bring snow or ice into the picture.

For now, families are encouraged to keep checking their school district’s official channels for the latest updates, as delays and closures can change quickly when winter weather is involved. On mornings like this, flexibility and patience are often required, as Minnesota winters once again remind everyone who’s really in charge.

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