WJHL Latest School Closings and Delays

In the Tri-Cities region of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, winter weather can change rapidly, often leading to school schedule adjustments. WJHL News Channel 11 and Storm Team 11 are the primary sources for residents to find real-time school closings and delays.

Current School Closings and Delays Status


Where to Find the Official WJHL Closing List

WJHL provides a comprehensive, live-updating database of schools, businesses, and government organizations. You can stay informed through the following platforms:

  1. Online Dashboard: The WJHL School Closings Page is the most direct source. It features a searchable list organized by county and organization name.

  2. The WJHL Weather App: Available on iOS and Android, the Storm Team 11 app allows you to set custom alerts for specific counties so you are notified the moment a status change is posted.

  3. On-Air Broadcasts: During News Channel 11 Morning, closings and delays are displayed in a constant “crawl” at the bottom of the screen.


Common Schedule Terms Explained

When viewing the WJHL ticker, you will see the following terms:

Status Description
2-Hour Delay School begins two hours later than normal. Buses will run their routes approximately two hours later than the usual pickup time.
Closed / NTI Day The school building is closed. In many districts, this now triggers an “Active Learning” or Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) day where students complete assignments online.
Early Dismissal Used when weather worsens during the day. Students are sent home several hours early; parents should check specific times for elementary vs. high school.

Why the Decision is Made

Superintendents in the Tri-Cities work closely with Storm Team 11 meteorologists to assess safety. Decisions are typically made by 5:30 AM based on:

  • Mountain Roads: While main highways like I-26 may be clear, steep secondary roads in counties like Carter, Unicoi, and Johnson often remain icy.

  • Temperature Extremes: In cases of extreme wind chill, schools may delay to ensure student safety at bus stops.

  • Refreeze: “Black ice” is a common concern in the region when snow melts during the day and refreezes overnight.

WJHL-TV, virtual and VHF digital channel 11, is a dual CBS/ABC-affiliated television station licensed to Johnson City, Tennessee, United States. The station is owned by Nexstar Media Group.-Wikipedia



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