Classes will not fully resume across North Texas on Thursday as icy roads left behind by this week’s winter storm continue to make travel unsafe.
Some school districts announced plans to reopen classrooms for the first time since last Friday. Others chose to stay closed, pointing to lingering ice on neighborhood streets and bus routes that remain difficult to navigate.
For thousands of families across the Dallas–Fort Worth area, the closures stretch into a fifth straight school day in some communities. Road crews have made progress on major routes, but secondary streets are still a problem.
School officials say decisions are being made locally, not regionally, based on what crews are seeing on the ground.
Where Closures Stand Across North Texas
Several North Texas school districts confirmed they will remain closed Thursday because of icy conditions that have not fully cleared since the storm moved through earlier this week.
Highways and main roads have improved in many places. That hasn’t been the case everywhere. Neighborhood streets, shaded areas, and school bus routes are still slick, especially during the early morning hours when refreezing is common.
“Even if the main roads look fine, we can’t safely run buses if residential streets are still iced over,” a school district spokesperson said in a written update. “Our priority is getting students and staff to school safely.”
How the Winter Storm Continues to Affect Travel
The storm brought a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow to North Texas, leaving widespread ice and disrupting daily routines across the region.
Overnight temperatures stayed below freezing for several days, slowing the melting process and allowing ice to linger longer than expected. Some areas never fully thawed.
As daytime temperatures inch upward, shaded roads and lightly traveled streets are still holding ice, creating unpredictable conditions during the morning commute.
Emergency management officials continue to warn drivers about black ice, which can be difficult to spot until it’s too late.
“Conditions can change quickly, especially before sunrise,” a North Texas emergency official said. “Drivers should slow down and assume bridges and side streets may still be frozen.”
A Look Back: How Closures Unfolded
Friday:
Many districts canceled classes ahead of the storm as winter precipitation moved into the region.
Monday and Tuesday:
Schools remained closed as ice accumulated and freezing temperatures persisted.
Wednesday:
Some districts reopened after inspecting roads, while others stayed closed because conditions had not improved enough.
Thursday:
Closures and reopenings continue to vary, with several districts extending cancellations due to unsafe neighborhood roads.
Why Reopening Decisions Differ by District
School districts across North Texas make closure decisions independently, often after early-morning road checks and consultations with transportation teams.
Key factors include the condition of bus routes, access to school parking lots, ice on residential streets, and overnight temperature forecasts.
Districts that serve large rural areas or neighborhoods with limited road treatment tend to remain closed longer. Officials say even within the same county, conditions can vary block by block.
“What we see on one side of the district isn’t always what we see on the other,” one administrator said. “That makes blanket decisions difficult.”
What School Leaders Are Saying
In closure announcements, several districts emphasized that visual improvements on main roads don’t tell the full story.
“Bus drivers are reporting slick conditions in neighborhoods that haven’t been treated,” one district statement said. “That’s not a risk we’re willing to take.”
Administrators also pointed to the challenge of serving large attendance zones where some areas thaw faster than others, especially when temperatures dip overnight.
Families have been urged to monitor official district channels for updates, including the possibility of delayed starts or schedule changes.
How Families and Employers Are Responding
Reaction across North Texas has been mixed.
Some parents said they appreciate districts taking a cautious approach, even if it means more time at home. Others are struggling with childcare and missed instructional time as closures drag on.
Local employers are also feeling the ripple effects as parents adjust work schedules or stay home.
Transportation officials say progress is being made, but they’ve cautioned that cleanup takes time, particularly on low-traffic roads.
What Comes Next
Most districts plan to reassess conditions early Thursday morning and again overnight into Friday.
If temperatures stay above freezing long enough, more schools could reopen. Any overnight dips below freezing could delay that process.
Districts may later decide whether missed school days need to be made up, depending on state attendance rules and local calendars.
Key Facts at a Glance
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Event: North Texas school closures
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Location: Dallas–Fort Worth and surrounding areas
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Date: Thursday
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Who’s affected: Students, parents, teachers, school staff
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Current status: Mix of reopenings and closures
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What to know: Road conditions vary by neighborhood
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some North Texas schools still closed Thursday?
Ice remains on neighborhood streets and bus routes in several areas.
Are all Dallas–Fort Worth schools closed?
No. Some districts have reopened, while others remain closed.
Could schools reopen Friday?
That depends on overnight temperatures and road conditions.
Are buses running where schools are open?
Yes, though some routes may be adjusted.
Will missed days be made up?
Districts will decide later based on state requirements.
Are roads improving?
Major roads are better, but side streets still have ice in many areas.
What to Watch
As North Texas continues to thaw, school leaders say safety will guide every decision.
Families should continue checking district alerts as conditions evolve, especially overnight, when refreezing remains a concern.
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