WCAX-TV Latest School Closings and Delays

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When winter weather moves into Vermont, Northern New York, and the Upper Valley of New Hampshire, WCAX-TV (Channel 3) is the primary source for real-time information on school status changes.

Current School Closings and Delays Status

How to Access the WCAX Closing List

WCAX utilizes an automated system managed in partnership with the Vermont Association of Broadcasters (VAB).¹ This ensures that when a superintendent makes a call, it is broadcast across multiple platforms simultaneously.

1. The Online Closing Dashboard

The most reliable way to find your specific school is the WCAX Closings Page.

Searchable Database: You can quickly filter by school name or county.
Regional Coverage: Includes Vermont, New York (Plattsburgh/North Country), and New Hampshire (Lebanon/Hanover area).

2. The WCAX First Alert Weather App

For parents on the go, the WCAX First Alert Weather App provides push notifications for weather-related alerts. It is the fastest way to get notified of a “snow day” before you even turn on the TV.

3. On-Air Broadcasts

During the Channel 3 News at Sunrise (beginning at 5:00 AM), look for the “crawl” or ticker at the bottom of your screen. This list scrolls alphabetically by state and then by district.

Understanding the “Status” Labels

WCAX uses standardized labels to help families plan their mornings:

Status	Instruction for Families
Closed	No school. All extracurricular activities and sports are typically canceled unless otherwise noted.
2-Hour Delay	School starts exactly 2 hours after the normal start time. Buses will also arrive at stops 2 hours later than usual.
Early Dismissal	School will end early (time usually specified). Parents should monitor for afternoon bus schedules.
Remote Learning Day	Physical school buildings are closed, but students are expected to log in for virtual instruction.

How the Decision is Made

The “First Alert” team at WCAX provides specialized forecasts to local superintendents, who typically begin their assessment between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM. They weigh several factors:

Total Snow Accumulation: Whether plows can keep up with the rate of snowfall.
Ice and Wind Chill: If temperatures are low enough to pose a risk to students waiting at bus stops.
Power Outages: Whether school buildings have heat and functional communication systems.

Pro Tip: Many Vermont schools now use “Remote Learning Days” or “Blizzard Bags” to avoid adding extra days to the end of the school year in June. Check your district’s specific policy on the WCAX list to see if a closure is a “Full Snow Day” or a “Remote Day.”

Get the latest school closings, cancellations, and delays. View school closures for Vermont from WCAX-TV. Since 1954 WCAX-TV has been a Vermont original and the region’s news leader, with the latest news, weather and local sports.