Columbus area schools and districts announce closings, delays due to winter storm
The impact of Winter Storm Fern in the Columbus area has prompted the following school districts to announce they will be closed or delayed Monday:
Muscogee County School District
The Muscogee County School District announced in a news release Sunday afternoon MCSD will operate on a two-hour delay Monday “based on the latest weather advisories forecasting severe cold temperatures and potential icy road conditions for the Columbus area tomorrow morning.”
“All MCSD schools will begin instruction two hours later than their regularly scheduled start times,” the news release says.
Harris County School District
The Harris County School District announced on its Facebook page Sunday afternoon HCSD will be closed Monday “due to the potential for winter weather and the possibility of rain freezing on roadways overnight.”
HCSD noted the Harris County government has “suspended services, and after careful consideration, we believe this is the most prudent decision. The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priorities. Closing schools also allows us to support Harris County Emergency Services by avoiding additional strain on resources while county government services are closed.”
Chattahoochee County School District
The Chattahoochee County School District announced on its Facebook page Sunday afternoon ChattCo schools will be closed Monday “due to freezing temperatures and the risk of black ice on the roads. . . . We prioritize the safety of all faculty, staff, and students.”
Phenix City Schools
Phenix City Schools announced Sunday evening it will operate on a two-hour delayed start Monday. “School start times and bus stop pickup times will begin two hours later than their regular schedules,” the news release says. “Please plan accordingly and allow extra time for travel in the morning.”
Russell County School District
The Russell County School District announced Sunday afternoon on its Facebook page RCSD will be closed Monday “due to extremely cold temperatures and the potential for icy road conditions.”
Lee County Schools
Lee County Schools announced Sunday afternoon on its Facebook page a two-hour delay in opening Monday “based on the latest weather advisories and out of an abundance of caution for all stakeholders.”
“This means that whatever time the respective school starts, or a student is picked up at a bus stop, that time will be delayed by two hours,” the announcement says.
St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School
St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School announced Sunday evening a two-hour delayed start for Monday “due to winter weather conditions.”
Student drop-off will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by the start of classes at 10 a.m. Mass is canceled for middle and high school students. All students in pre-K4 through 12th grade should wear their regular school uniforms, the news release says.
Columbus State University
Columbus State University announced Sunday afternoon it is delaying the start of in-person operations and instruction Monday until 11 a.m. “to ensure the safety of its students and employees.”
“Before 11 a.m., classes will meet and employees will work virtually,” the news release says. “More information has been made available to students and employees via their university email, and that guidance and future updates will be posted on https://www.columbusstate.edu/emergency/.”
Chattahoochee Valley Community College
Chattahoochee Valley Community College announced Sunday evening its campus will be closed Monday “due to inclement weather.”
“All classes scheduled for this day will transition to virtual instruction,” the news release says.
This story was originally published January 25, 2026 at 3:12 PM.
