7 Eyewitness News Latest School Closings and Delays

| | New York | No Comments

When the lake-effect snow hits Western New York or severe weather rolls through Central Florida, 7 Eyewitness News (WKBW in Buffalo or WFTV in Orlando) is the go-to source for families navigating school closings and delays.

Staying ahead of the weather requires knowing exactly where to look before the first bell rings. Here is your guide to tracking the latest school status updates.

Current School Closings and Delays Status

Real-Time Updates: Where to Look

School superintendents typically make the call to close or delay classes between 4:30 AM and 6:00 AM. 7 Eyewitness News synchronizes these reports across multiple platforms:

The On-Air “Ticker”: During the morning news broadcast, watch the scrolling banner at the bottom of your screen. Schools are usually listed alphabetically by county.
The Official Closings Dashboard: Both WKBW (Buffalo) and WFTV (Orlando) maintain dedicated “Closings and Delays” pages on their websites. These lists are searchable, allowing you to find your specific district in seconds.
Mobile App Alerts: By downloading the 7 Eyewitness News app and enabling “Push Notifications” for weather or breaking news, you can receive an immediate ping the moment your school’s status changes.

📋 Common Status Terms

Understanding the specific terminology used in the 7 Eyewitness News reports can help you plan your morning commute or childcare.

Status	Impact on Students
Closed	No classes. All extracurricular activities and sports are usually canceled for the day.
2-Hour Delay	School begins exactly two hours after the normal start time. Bus pickups are also pushed back by two hours.
Early Dismissal	School ends early (usually between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM) to get students home before weather conditions worsen.
No PM Activities	Classes proceed as normal, but all after-school programs, clubs, and athletic events are canceled.

❄️ Why Schools Close: The Criteria

While it may seem like a “snow day” is a simple choice, 7 Eyewitness News often reports on the complex factors superintendents weigh:

Road Conditions: Can buses safely navigate side streets and rural routes?
Temperature/Wind Chill: If the wind chill is dangerous (often below -15°F to -20°F), schools may close to protect students waiting at bus stops.
Facility Safety: Are the school parking lots plowed? Is the building’s heating system functioning during a deep freeze?

Pro Tip: Don’t rely on social media rumors. Always verify school status through the official 7 Eyewitness News website or app to ensure the information is current and accurate for the present date.

WKBW-TV, virtual channel 7, is an ABC-affiliated television station licensed to Buffalo, New York, United States. The station is owned by the E. W. Scripps Company.-Wikipedia

Latest School Delays and Cancellations News