Summary (tl;dr)

Widespread school closures and delayed openings have been announced across New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Southeast New York for Monday, January 26, 2026, due to a powerful winter storm bringing heavy snow, sleet, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures.

Essential Background

A major North American winter storm, unofficially named Winter Storm Fern, began impacting large parts of the United States on January 22, 2026. By January 25, the storm had moved into the Northeast, transforming into a nor'easter and bringing significant snowfall, sleet, and freezing rain, along with extremely low temperatures and wind chills. This system affected a vast area stretching from the Southern U.S. to the Northeast.

The Full Story

As of Monday, January 26, 2026, countless school districts throughout New Jersey, along with schools in Eastern Pennsylvania and Southeast New York, are closed or operating on delayed schedules due to the severe winter weather conditions. New Jersey has experienced significant snowfall, with predictions of 6 inches in the south and over 12 inches in the northwest, coupled with overnight temperatures plummeting to single digits, which has made road clearing a challenging and extensive effort. The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning, indicating prolonged periods of sub-freezing temperatures and wind chills as low as -15°F in some regions, creating hazardous driving conditions. In addition to schools, state government offices in New Jersey, Kentucky, Maryland, and federal offices in Washington, D.C., have also announced closures for the day. The storm has also caused power outages for over a million customers across the eastern U.S., including parts of the Deep South.

Why It Matters

The widespread school closures and hazardous weather conditions are significantly disrupting daily routines for families and commuters. The dangerous combination of heavy snow, ice, and extreme cold poses serious safety risks, including an increased potential for accidents, hypothermia, and frostbite. Furthermore, the ongoing threat of power outages, particularly those caused by ice accumulation weighing down power lines, could lead to prolonged disruptions for residents and challenge emergency services. The decisions by school districts and government agencies to close reflect the severity of the storm's impact and prioritize public safety.

Geographic Location

• New Jersey, United States (widespread school and state government office closings)
• Eastern Pennsylvania, United States (school closings)
• Southeast New York, United States (school closings and winter storm warning)
• Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States (federal offices closed)
• Kentucky, United States (state offices closed)
• Maryland, United States (state offices closed)