Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Freezing Rain Causes School Delays
On January 6, schools in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire had delays or cancellations because of freezing rain and slippery roads.
The weather included rain, sleet, freezing rain, snow, and fog, making it hard to see and drive.
Some roads were icy, and temperatures were near freezing.
Schools in various districts delayed classes or closed entirely for the day.
The rain was expected to stop by 7 a.m., but temperatures were going to drop below freezing later, which could make the roads icy again for Wednesday morning.
Schools in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire delayed or cancelled classes on January 6 due to freezing rain and slick roads.
Areas affected include Stillwater, St. Cloud, and White Bear Lake in Minnesota, Hudson, River Falls, and St. Croix Falls in Wisconsin, and various districts in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Weather conditions included rain, sleet, freezing rain, snow, and dense fog, creating hazardous travel conditions.
Road conditions varied from wet and icy to completely covered with snow, slush, or standing water, with visibility reduced to half a mile or less in some areas.
Precipitation was expected to taper off by Tuesday morning, but temperatures dropping below freezing later raised concerns for icy conditions on Wednesday.
- Who
- Schools in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire
- What
- Delayed or cancelled classes due to freezing rain and slick roads
- When
- Tuesday, January 6, with concerns for Wednesday morning commute
- Where
- Minnesota (Stillwater, St. Cloud, White Bear Lake), western Wisconsin (Hudson, River Falls, St. Croix Falls), Massachusetts (Worcester, Middlesex, Essex counties), New Hampshire (Salem, Canaan, Ashland, Ashuelot)
- Why
- Overnight rain, sleet, freezing rain, and snow created hazardous travel conditions
Safety First
Minimize Disruption
School Closures
Safety First
Prioritize student and staff safety by closing schools entirely.
Minimize Disruption
Implement delays instead of closures to minimize disruption to education and working parents.
- Areas Affected
- Minnesota (Stillwater, St. Cloud, White Bear Lake), western Wisconsin (Hudson, River Falls, St. Croix Falls), Massachusetts (Worcester, Middlesex, Essex counties), New Hampshire (Salem, Canaan, Ashland, Ashuelot)
- Weather Conditions
- Rain, sleet, freezing rain, snow, and dense fog
- Road Conditions
- Slushy, slippery, and icy roads with reduced visibility
- School Delays/Cancellations
- Two-hour delays in multiple districts; full closures in some areas
- Expected Duration
- Rain until about 7 a.m., with temperatures dropping below freezing late Tuesday into early Wednesday
Sources
Minnesota, Wisconsin schools delay or close on January 6 after overnight freezing rain leaves slick roads
Schools closed, delayed as winter storm blankets Michigan, Massachusetts, and nearby states
