WGEM News Latest School Closings and Delays

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When winter weather or emergencies strike the Tri-States, staying informed is critical for families across Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa. WGEM News serves as the primary source for real-time school closings, delays, and early dismissals.

Below is a guide on how to access the latest information and what to expect when the WGEM First Alert Weather team forecasts inclement weather.

Current School Closings and Delays Status

Where to Find Latest WGEM Closings

WGEM provides multiple platforms to check for school changes. During active weather events, the list is updated continuously as superintendents report their decisions.

WGEM Online Closing List: The most reliable method is the WGEM School Closings page. This searchable database includes public and private schools, daycare centers, and local businesses.
WGEM First Alert Weather App: You can receive push notifications for severe weather and school changes directly on your smartphone.
On-Air Broadcasts: During WGEM News at Sunrise, a scrolling ticker at the bottom of the screen displays all active closings and delays in alphabetical order.
Social Media: Follow WGEM on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for major regional alerts, such as the closure of large districts like Quincy Public Schools.

Understanding the Alerts

Districts in the WGEM viewing area typically use three main designations for weather-related changes:

Status	Impact on Students
Closed / No School	The building is closed. Check if an E-Learning Day is in effect.
2-Hour Delay	School and bus routes begin exactly two hours after the standard time. (e.g., an 8:00 AM start moves to 10:00 AM).
Early Dismissal	School ends early to allow buses to return home before weather conditions worsen. PM preschool sessions are often canceled.

The “E-Learning” Factor

Many districts in the Tri-States now utilize E-Learning Days instead of traditional “snow days.” When a school is closed, check the WGEM list to see if “E-Learning” is specified. This means students are expected to log in remotely to complete assignments, preventing the school year from being extended into the summer.

How Decisions Are Made

WGEM’s First Alert Weather team works closely with local officials. Superintendents typically make the call between 4:30 AM and 6:00 AM based on several factors:

Road Surveys: District officials drive bus routes to check for drifting snow or black ice.
Wind Chill: In the Midwest, extreme cold is as common as snow. Many schools will close if wind chills are forecasted to reach dangerous levels (typically -20°F to -30°F) to protect students waiting at bus stops.
Building Operations: Power outages or heating failures in older school buildings can trigger immediate closures.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Check Frequently: A school that is “Delayed” at 5:00 AM may be upgraded to “Closed” by 7:00 AM if conditions deteriorate.
Know Your District Name: Some rural schools are listed by their district number (e.g., Unit 4) rather than the town name.
Have a Backup Plan: Ensure you have childcare arrangements ready the night before if the WGEM First Alert Weather team is predicting a “First Alert Weather Day.”

Get the latest school closings, cancellations, and delays. View school closures for Illinois from WGEM News.