KDHL Radio Latest School Closings and Delays

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When winter weather strikes Southern Minnesota, KDHL AM 920—known as “The Mighty 920″—becomes the critical lifeline for Faribault, Owatonna, and the surrounding communities. Knowing where to find the most accurate school closings and delays can save you a cold trip to a locked school building.

Current School Closings and Delays Status

How to Check KDHL Closings

KDHL provides several ways to access real-time information:

The On-Air Broadcast: Listen to AM 920 for live announcements during “Mornings on the Farm” with Jerry Groskreutz. Updates are typically read every 15 to 20 minutes during active weather events.
Online Closing Dashboard: The KDHL Closings Page provides a comprehensive list of schools, churches, and businesses.
The KDHL App: By downloading the free mobile app and turning on “Closing Alerts,” you will receive a push notification the moment a major district (like Faribault Public Schools) calls for a delay or closure.
Snow Hotline: To report a closing for a church or local organization, you can call the dedicated hotline at (507) 338-SNOW (7669).

What the Updates Mean

When you see a notification from KDHL, it will usually fall into one of these categories:

Status	Details
2 Hours Late	School starts exactly 2 hours after the normal time. No morning preschool.
Closed / E-Learning Day	Buildings are closed. Students may be required to log in for virtual learning.
Buses on Plowed Roads Only	School is open, but buses will stay on main, cleared roads; no travel on unplowed gravel.
Early Release	Students are sent home early (often 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM) to beat incoming snow.

Decision Triggers: When Is the Call Made?

In Southern Minnesota, school superintendents often coordinate with the National Weather Service and local law enforcement. For KDHL listeners, the most common reasons for a closure include:

Extreme Cold: Often triggered if the wind chill is projected to be $-35^\circ\text{F}$ to $-40^\circ\text{F}$ or lower.
Snow Accumulation: If road crews cannot clear secondary roads in time for 6:00 AM bus routes.
Ice/Freezing Rain: Even a small amount of ice on the I-35 corridor can lead to an immediate 2-hour delay.

Stay Prepared

If a delay is announced, it is a good idea to keep your car’s fuel tank at least half full and ensure your contact information is updated in your school district’s portal to receive their internal text alerts alongside the KDHL broadcast.