A significant winter storm moving through Northern Nevada on Thursday, February 19, has forced the widespread closure and delay of schools, state government offices, and community programs. Officials cited hazardous road conditions from accumulating snow and ice as the primary reason for the disruptions, prioritizing public safety as the storm intensified throughout the day.
Key Takeaways
- Governor Joe Lombardo ordered an early closure for all state government offices in northwestern Nevada due to worsening weather.
- Major school districts, including Washoe County, implemented 2-hour delays, while others like Storey County and Tahoe Truckee Unified closed completely.
- Higher education institutions, such as Truckee Meadows Community College and the University of Nevada, Reno, canceled in-person classes and campus operations.
- Numerous after-school programs and city services were suspended to ensure the safety of children and staff.
Governor Responds to Worsening Road Conditions
As road conditions deteriorated Thursday, Governor Joe Lombardo announced an early closure for state offices located in the northwestern part of the state. The decision was made to allow state employees to travel home safely before the evening commute, which was expected to be particularly dangerous.
The governor's office urged all Nevadans in the affected areas to drive with extreme caution and to avoid travel if possible. The early closure applied to all non-essential state government functions, impacting services across several counties.
A Region on Alert
Northern Nevada is accustomed to winter weather, but this storm's combination of snow and ice created unusually slick surfaces. Local authorities reported multiple traffic incidents throughout the morning, including several crashes on I-580 between Reno and Carson City, prompting the heightened response from state and local officials.
Educational Institutions Prioritize Student Safety
The storm's impact was felt most acutely across the region's education system. School districts made decisions based on localized conditions, resulting in a mix of delays, closures, and shifts to remote learning.
K-12 Schools Adjust Schedules
The Washoe County School District, one of the largest in the area, initiated a 2-hour delay for all its schools. The district also activated its winter bus stop schedule to avoid hazardous routes. As part of the delay, all morning half-day early childhood programs were canceled for the day.
Several other districts opted for full closures. The Storey County School District and the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District canceled all classes for Thursday. A number of charter and private schools followed suit, including all five campuses of the Coral Academy of Science Reno, Alpine Academy in Sparks, and Our Lady of the Snows School.
"The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Given the icy roads and continued snowfall, closing our buildings was the only responsible decision," a spokesperson for the Storey County School District explained.
The Carson City School District maintained a normal class schedule but took the precautionary step of canceling all after-school activities. This measure included athletic practices, clubs, and student programs like Capital Kids. The district confirmed that school buses would run on their regular afternoon schedule but urged parents to be prompt for pickup.
Higher Education Halts Campus Operations
College campuses were not immune to the storm's effects. Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) canceled all on-campus and remote operations from noon onward. The closure included all physical locations and the campus Child Care Center.
The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) also closed its campus due to the severe weather. Meanwhile, Western Nevada College (WNC) transitioned to remote instruction to allow students and faculty to remain safely at home.
Record-Breaking Snowfall
The city of Reno officially broke its daily snowfall record for February 19. The significant accumulation, combined with freezing temperatures, contributed directly to the widespread transportation difficulties and subsequent closures across the region.
Community Programs and City Services Impacted
The ripple effect of the storm extended beyond schools and state offices, affecting local municipal services and family routines. The City of Sparks announced the cancellation of all its after-school programs held at various elementary schools, including those at Lincoln Park and Caughlin Ranch Elementary.
Parents received direct communication regarding the changes. A message sent to families at Caughlin Ranch Elementary confirmed that the Sierra Kids program was canceled for the day. "Thank you for understanding this change," the message read, highlighting the last-minute nature of the decision based on evolving weather patterns.
Local officials emphasized that closing buildings and parking lots in the evening was also a practical measure. Canceling evening activities allows maintenance crews unobstructed access to plow snow and treat ice, ensuring that facilities can reopen safely and on time once the storm subsides.
As the storm continues, residents are advised to monitor local news and official municipal and school district websites for the latest updates on closures and delays for Friday.