WDIO News Latest School Closings and Delays

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In the Northland, winter weather isn’t just a season—it’s a way of life. For families in Duluth, Superior, and across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin, WDIO News (ABC 10/13) provides the most critical updates when snow, ice, or extreme wind chills threaten school schedules.

Current School Closings and Delays Status

How to Check the WDIO Closing List

WDIO News utilizes an automated system that updates as soon as district superintendents or business administrators make a call. You can find these updates via:

The WDIO Web Dashboard: The official WDIO Closings page features a live, searchable list that categorizes closures, delays, and “rural buses on plowed roads only” status.
The WDIO Mobile App: You can subscribe to “Breaking News” alerts to get immediate notifications for major district closures like Duluth or Superior.
On-Air Ticker: During The Morning Exchange (starting at 5:00 AM), all active delays and cancellations scroll across the bottom of the screen.

Northern Weather Policies: What to Expect

In the Northland, schools have specific thresholds for closing, particularly regarding the extreme cold.

Alert Type	Typical Trigger/Policy
2-Hour Delay	Used when road crews need extra time to clear primary routes or when temperatures are expected to rise after sunrise.
Wind Chill Closure	Many area schools, including Duluth, consider closing if the wind chill is sustained at -40°F or reaches a “hit” of -45°F.
Rural Roads Only	Common for larger districts (like St. Louis County Schools); buses will stay on plowed main roads and will not travel down unplowed secondary or private roads.
E-Learning Day	If physical travel is unsafe but power/internet are stable, schools may pivot to a remote learning day to avoid extending the school year into June.

The 5:00 AM Decision

The decision-making process in the Northland begins early. Transportation managers are often on the roads by 3:30 AM to test traction and visibility. They consult with the WDIO First Alert Weather Team and the National Weather Service in Duluth.

Pro-Tip: If a decision can be made the night before, WDIO typically broadcasts it during the 10:00 PM news. If not, the final call is almost always made and communicated to WDIO by 5:00 AM.

WDIO-DT, virtual and VHF digital channel 10, is an ABC-affiliated television station licensed to Duluth, Minnesota, United States. The station is owned by Hubbard Broadcasting.-Wikipedia