News 12 Now Latest School Closings and Delays

| | Tennessee | No Comments

When severe weather strikes the Tennessee Valley, families in Chattanooga, Southeast Tennessee, and Northwest Georgia rely on News 12 Now (WDEF) for the most accurate and timely information. Whether it’s a sudden winter storm or the threat of severe thunderstorms, staying informed about school schedules is a top priority.

Current School Closings and Delays Status

Where to Find Real-Time News 12 Now Alerts

When conditions change, News 12 Now updates their systems instantly. You can track these changes through:

The School Closings Dashboard: Visit the WDEF School Closings page for a comprehensive list of schools, businesses, and government offices that are closed or delayed.
WDEF News 12 App: Download the mobile app to receive “First Alert” push notifications directly to your smartphone the moment a school district makes an announcement.
On-Air Ticker: During morning broadcasts, keep an eye on the bottom of your screen for the “crawling” list of all regional closures.

Understanding Different Schedule Changes

In our region, “closing” doesn’t always mean a day off. Here are the most common alerts you will see:

Status	Details
Closed / Remote Learning	Physical buildings are closed. Students may be assigned lessons via Google Classroom or other digital platforms.
2-Hour Delay	School and bus schedules are pushed back by 120 minutes. This is often used to allow morning fog to lift or ice to melt.
Early Dismissal	Schools release students early to ensure buses can complete their routes before severe weather arrives.
Delayed Opening	Similar to a 2-hour delay, but the specific time may vary (e.g., a 1-hour or 3-hour delay).

How Decisions Are Made

The decision to close or delay school is rarely easy. Superintendents from Catoosa, Whitfield, and Marion counties work through the night, often deploying “scouts” to drive bus routes at 3:00 AM or 4:00 AM.

They look for:

Road Safety: Specifically focusing on shaded areas and bridges that freeze first.
Temperature: Extreme wind chills can make waiting at a bus stop dangerous for children.
Power Outages: Ensuring that school buildings have heat, water, and functional kitchens.

Note to Parents: Always have a “Plan B” for childcare. Announcements are often made between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM, but can occasionally happen late the night before if the weather forecast is certain.

WDEF-TV, virtual and VHF digital channel 12, is a CBS-affiliated television station licensed to Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States. The station is owned by Morris Multimedia.-Wikipedia