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Mass. & N.H. Schools Closed Amid Winter Storm

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/11/mass-n-h-schools-closed-amid-winter-storm.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 6:56 GMT by CBS News
      Locales: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, UNITED STATES

Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 - A significant winter storm has blanketed Massachusetts and New Hampshire, causing widespread disruption to school schedules and raising questions about the increasing frequency of weather-related school closures. Today, numerous districts across both states announced closures, delays, or early dismissals, impacting tens of thousands of students and families. While winter storms are a seasonal inevitability in the Northeast, the scale of today's disruption, coupled with a pattern of increasingly frequent severe weather events, is prompting discussion about long-term preparedness and potential adjustments to the academic calendar.

The storm, characterized by heavy snowfall and icy conditions, created hazardous travel conditions, making it unsafe for students to commute to and from school. As of 11:00 AM EST, the following districts have confirmed closures:

Massachusetts:

• Boston Public Schools
• Cambridge Public Schools
• Newton Public Schools
• Woburn Public Schools
• Melrose Public Schools
• Lexington Public Schools
• Lincoln-Lincoln Sudbury RSD
• Medford Public Schools
• Malden Public Schools
• Wayland Public Schools
• Andover Public Schools
• North Andover Public Schools
• Lowell Public Schools
• Tewksbury Public Schools
• Bellingham Public Schools
• Millis Public Schools
• Sharon Public Schools
• Walpole Public Schools

New Hampshire:

• Derry
• Londonderry
• Salem
• Windham

This list is not exhaustive, and further closures are expected throughout the day as conditions persist. School officials are urging parents and students to continually check their local district websites and social media channels for the most up-to-date information.

Beyond Today: A Pattern of Increasing Disruptions?

While a single snow day might seem like a minor inconvenience, the accumulation of lost instructional time is a growing concern for educators and administrators. Over the past decade, the Northeast has experienced a noticeable increase in the intensity and frequency of winter storms, fueled by climate change. This trend is leading to more frequent school closures, impacting student learning and potentially requiring significant adjustments to the academic year.

"We're seeing a clear shift in weather patterns," explains Dr. Emily Carter, a climatologist at the University of New Hampshire. "Warmer ocean temperatures are contributing to more moisture in the atmosphere, leading to heavier snowfall events. These events are becoming more common, and they're posing a real challenge to school districts."

Some districts are already exploring alternative solutions to mitigate the impact of weather-related closures. These include implementing remote learning days, utilizing flexible school calendars, and investing in improved snow removal equipment. Remote learning, while not a perfect substitute for in-person instruction, allows students to continue their studies even when school buildings are closed. However, access to technology and reliable internet connectivity remains a significant barrier for many students, particularly in rural areas.

The debate over how to best address the issue is ongoing. Some advocate for a standardized regional approach to school closures, ensuring that districts coordinate their decisions to minimize disruption. Others argue that local conditions vary too greatly to allow for a one-size-fits-all solution.

"The safety of our students is paramount," says Superintendent Maria Rodriguez of the Boston Public Schools. "We will always prioritize their well-being, even if it means closing schools on occasion. But we also need to find ways to ensure that they receive the quality education they deserve, despite the challenges posed by increasingly severe weather."

The situation today underscores the need for proactive planning and investment in infrastructure and educational strategies that can help schools and communities better cope with the impacts of climate change. Failing to do so risks further erosion of instructional time and potentially widening achievement gaps.