Triangle Schools Delay Start Times Over Icy Road Concerns Check the Full List
Triangle-area schools have experienced significant disruptions due to wintry weather conditions. The combination of snow and the threat of black ice has led to school closures and delays across several districts.
School Closures and Delays for December 9, 2025
On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the following school districts announced closures and delays:
Closed Districts
- Wake County Schools: All schools will be closed due to hazardous road conditions from black ice. No make-up day is required as the district will use banked time.
- Durham Public Schools: All schools will be closed for both students and staff. All athletic events and after-school activities have been canceled.
- Orange County Schools: All schools will be closed due to worsening conditions and expected freezing temperatures.
Delayed Openings
- Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools: Schools will operate on a two-hour delay. Wednesday will be converted from a workday to a regular class day to minimize disruptions.
- Johnston County Schools: Schools will operate on a two-hour delay.
- Chatham County Schools: Schools will also function on a two-hour delay, despite being outside of the winter weather advisory.
Why the Delays and Closures?
The decision to close or delay school operations was based on forecasts indicating refreezing conditions overnight. The Orange County Schools department reported expected temperatures to drop into the teens, raising concerns about road safety due to icy conditions.
Officials noted that lingering frost on roads and sidewalks could create hazardous travel conditions, prompting proactive measures to ensure student safety.
Impact on Students and Staff
The Triangle area has seen multiple interruptions to the school calendar, affecting the routine of students and teachers alike. While Wake County and Durham made full closures, other districts opted for delays, attempting to assess and improve road conditions before the school day begins.
This weather situation emphasizes the challenges faced by school districts in managing operations in response to unpredictable winter weather.