azfamily 3TV CBS 5 Latest School Closings and Delays

In Arizona, weather-related school delays are rare compared to the East Coast, but staying informed is crucial when monsoons, dust storms, or rare winter freezes hit the Valley. Arizona’s Family (3TV & CBS 5) is the primary resource for residents in Phoenix and Northern Arizona to track these changes.

Current School Closings and Delays Status


How to Check for Updates on Arizona’s Family

When severe weather (such as heavy monsoon flooding or winter storms in the High Country) strikes, you can find real-time updates via these 3TV and CBS 5 platforms:

  1. The “Arizona’s Family” Mobile App: The fastest way to get alerts. Download the app and toggle notifications for “Breaking News” and “First Alert Weather.

  2. Online Closing Dashboard: Visit azfamily.com/weather and look for the “Closings and Delays” tab during active weather events.

  3. Live News Stream: 3TV (KTVK) and CBS 5 (KPHO) provide continuous coverage during morning commute hours (4:30 AM – 9:00 AM) with a “First Alert” ticker at the bottom of the screen.


Common Reasons for Delays in Arizona

While snow is the main culprit in Northern Arizona (Flagstaff and Prescott), the Phoenix area typically sees changes for different reasons:

  • Monsoon Flooding: Heavy rains can wash out “unbridged” crossings in rural Maricopa County, making bus routes impassable.

  • Habitual Dust Storms (Haboobs): Extreme low visibility may lead to temporary “shelter-in-place” orders during afternoon dismissals.

  • Extreme Heat: While rare, some districts may cancel outdoor after-school activities if the “Heat Index” exceeds safety thresholds.

  • Power Outages: Summer storms often knock out power to large campuses, leading to emergency closures.


Understanding the Terminology

Alert Type Action Required
2-Hour Delay Most common in Northern AZ. School starts two hours late; no morning preschool or kindergarten.
Early Dismissal Usually triggered by incoming severe storms or utility failures. Students are sent home several hours early.
Remote Learning Day In some cases (like the recent roof issues at Kyrene de la Sierra), a school may switch to online classes rather than closing entirely.


Get the latest school closings, cancellations, and delays. View school closures for Arizona from azfamily 3TV CBS 5. Phoenix, Arizona news and breaking news from azfamily.com powered by KTVK 3TV & KPHO CBS 5.

KTVK, virtual channel 3 (UHF digital channel 24), is an independent television station licensed to Phoenix, Arizona, United States. The station is owned by the Meredith Local Media subsidiary of Des Moines, Iowa-based Meredith Corporation, as part of a duopoly with CBS affiliate KPHO-TV (channel 5). -Wikipedia



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