ABC Action News Latest School Closings and Delays

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When severe weather strikes—whether it’s a rare Florida freeze, a tropical storm, or a northern blizzard—staying informed about school schedules is the top priority for families. ABC Action News (WFTS in Tampa Bay, WPVI in Philadelphia, and other affiliates) provides a comprehensive system to keep you updated on the latest school closings, delays, and early dismissals.

Current School Closings and Delays Status

How to Access the ABC Action News Closing List

ABC Action News offers several tools to ensure you aren’t left waiting at the bus stop in hazardous conditions:

1. The Online “Closing Dashboard”

Every ABC affiliate hosts a dedicated “Closings and Delays” page. This searchable database includes not just K-12 public schools, but also:

Private and Charter schools
Daycare and Early Learning centers
Local Colleges and Universities
Civic organizations and Senior Centers

2. The ABC Action News App

The fastest way to get notified is by downloading the station’s mobile app (e.g., the “Tampa Bay 28” app for WFTS or the “6abc” app for Philadelphia).

Tip: Go to settings and enable “Push Notifications” for school closings to get an alert the moment your district updates its status.

3. On-Air “Crawl”

During severe weather events, look for the colored ticker (or “crawl”) at the bottom of your television screen. ABC Action News prioritizes these updates during morning broadcasts from 4:30 AM to 9:00 AM.

Understanding the Delay System

Not every weather event requires a full closure. Many districts opt for a delayed start to allow road crews to clear ice or for the sun to improve visibility.

Status	Bus Impact	Student Requirement
2-Hour Delay	Buses arrive 2 hours later than normal.	Students report 2 hours after standard start time.
Early Dismissal	Afternoon drop-offs occur 2–3 hours early.	After-school care and sports are usually canceled.
Virtual Learning Day	None.	Students log in from home to prevent adding days to the calendar.

Why the Decision Takes Time

Superintendents often coordinate with ABC Action News meteorologists in the early morning hours (between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM). The decision is rarely made lightly and depends on:

Bus Safety: High-profile buses cannot safely operate in wind gusts exceeding 35–40 mph.
Facility Readiness: Power outages or broken pipes in school buildings can trigger a closure even if roads are clear.

Get the latest school closings, cancellations, and delays. View school closures for Florida from ABC Action News. WFTS ABC Action News in Tampa Bay delivers relevant local, community and national news, including up-to-the minute weather information, breaking news, and alerts throughout the day.

WFTS-TV, virtual channel 28, branded as ABC Action News, is an ABC-affiliated television station licensed to Tampa, Florida, United States. The station is owned by the E. W. Scripps Company. -Wikipedia