Quick Summary: Due to a significant snowstorm and hazardous winter driving conditions across Southeast Michigan, many Detroit-area school districts—including Detroit Public Schools Community District—are closed on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Multiple closures and delays have been announced as crews and administrators respond to heavy snowfall and slick roads.
Latest Closures — What’s Confirmed for January 15, 2026
Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) has officially closed all schools and district buildings on Thursday, January 15, because of heavy snow and unsafe morning travel conditions.
Beyond Detroit’s central district, a broad wave of closures is affecting hundreds of schools across the Metro Detroit area, including:
- Wayne County schools
- Oakland County districts
- Macomb County districts
- Individual city/county systems like Allen Park, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Eastpointe, Grosse Pointe, Hazel Park, Livonia, Redford, Plymouth‑Canton, Romulus, Royal Oak, Taylor, Warren, Wayne‑Westland, Ypsilanti, Wyandotte, Woodhaven‑Brownstown, and others.
These closures reflect conditions across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, St. Clair, Monroe, Lapeer, and Livingston counties as winter weather sweeps Southeast Michigan.
👉 Note: Lists from official district pages and local news outlets like WDIV Click on Detroit are the most reliable places to confirm school‑by‑school status before heading out.
Why Schools Are Closing
Detriot’s school closings aren’t happening in isolation — a winter weather advisory has been in effect across most of Southeast Michigan. Snow began early Wednesday and continued into the evening, with:
- 1–3+ inches of snow observed across the region, with even heavier localized bands in some areas.
- Wind chills dropping well below freezing, adding additional travel risk.
- Reports of slippery road conditions and poor visibility, particularly on side streets and less‑plowed routes.
Those conditions — combined with winter driving hazards — led superintendents to err on the side of safety.
Breakdown by County & District (Selected)
Wayne County
- Detroit Public Schools CLOSED.
- Many suburban Wayne County districts report closures or major delays.
Oakland County
- A broad slate of closures across small and large districts.
Macomb County
- Multiple schools closed, including Anchor Bay and Chippewa Valley among others.
St. Clair & Surrounding
- Schools and childcare centers impacted in outlying areas.
Washtenaw County
While our focus is Metro Detroit, neighboring Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor area) also reported extensive closures due to snow and icy roads for January 15.
Delays vs. Closures — What Parents Should Know
Most Metro Detroit districts communicate through:
- District websites and mobile alerts
- Automated texts/emails
- Local media (e.g., WDIV, WXYZ)
On days like this, some districts may still experience delays (late start) even if they aren’t fully closed, but the expectation on Jan 15 is that full closures dominate.
Safety and Travel Advisory
Beyond educational impacts, the National Weather Service and local authorities highlight:
- Ongoing winter weather advisories into evening hours.
- Slick roads and reduced visibility affecting morning commutes and bus routes.
- Wind chill values in the single digits, increasing risk for exposure if stranded.
Local emergency services also emphasize that snow emergencies are declared in certain cities (e.g., Taylor), triggering parking and plowing protocols.
How to Stay Updated (Critical)
Since weather and conditions can change overnight, the best sources for last‑minute decisions include:
- WDIV Click on Detroit school closings page (live updates)
- Official school district social accounts/websites
- NWS forecasts for Southeast Michigan
What This Means for Students & Families Today
- Expect continued closures or remote learning options in affected districts.
- Bus services most likely canceled where districts are closed.
- If temperatures stay frigid with snow on roads, after‑school activities and athletic events are likely postponed or canceled.
Editorial Perspective: Why This Matters
Detroit and the broader Metro area endure winter weather every year, but the timing and strength of this January snow event forced wide disruption, underscoring an unfortunate reality:
- Today’s closures aren’t just about inconvenience — they’re about safety. Snow‑covered roads and early morning travel pose real hazards for student transportation and commuter routes alike.
- Even with snow crews working overnight, a combination of fresh snow, wind‑driven drifts, and freezing temperatures can leave travel unsafe until midday.
Officials, educators, and parents alike know that what matters most is protecting kids and school staff, even if it means lost instructional time.
Quick Takeaways
- Detroit Public Schools are closed Thursday, Jan 15, 2026.
- Hundreds of Metro Detroit schools are closed due to hazardous winter weather.
- Travel conditions remain dangerous; winter weather advisories persist.
- Stay tuned to official school and weather channels for updates through morning.
