Will Mississippi Coast schools be closed Tuesday? What we know about our districts

Forecasters with the National Weather Service office in New Orleans/Baton Rouge have issued a four alerts: a Wind Chill Advisory, a Freeze Warning, a Hard Freeze Warning and a Winter Weather Advisory for weather that is expected to arrive in the overnight hours.

Their predictions are calling for a chance of rain showers after 7 p.m., which is expected to mix with freezing rain after 3 a.m. Tuesday. Tonight’s low temperature is expected to fall to 28. degrees, with blustery conditions after midnight. The chance of precipitation is 50 percent tonight, with a “light glaze” expected.

Gov. Tate Reeves declared a State of Emergency on Sunday, with the National Weather Service forecasting freezing rain, sleet, and snow for a significant portion of the state, along with dangerous cold for the week. “The state of Mississippi is proactively taking steps to prepare for freezing temperatures and severe winter weather,” Reeves said. “By declaring this State of Emergency, we can mobilize state assets, and better support response and recovery efforts. All Mississippians in the impacted areas are encouraged to take precautions over the next few days. Prepare your homes now for below-freezing temperatures, bring pets inside, and check in with your loved ones who are most susceptible during this frigid weather.”

But will schools be closed Tuesday on the Mississippi Coast because of freezing rain, freezing temperatures or wind chill? Eleven public school districts and three private schools have made the decision to cancel classes, with more announcements expected throughout the afternoon and evening.

Bay St. Louis-Waveland School District: Closed Tuesday. In a note to parents, the district said: “Due to uncertain weather conditions with temperatures close to the freezing point, it’s unclear if we’ll have ice or rain in the morning. A slight change in temperature can make a huge difference. In the interest of caution and to provide convenience for our parents planning, we’ve decided to close school tomorrow.”

Biloxi Public School District: Closed Tuesday. In a note to parents, the district said: “Due to possible icy road conditions tomorrow morning, we are canceling classes Tuesday, Jan. 16. We are making this call early to give families time to make necessary arrangements. Stay safe and warm and we look forward to seeing all students back on campus Wednesday morning when we resume our regular schedule.”

Diocese of Biloxi: Closed Tuesday. In a news release, the Diocese said: “All Diocese of Biloxi Catholic schools will be closed tomorrow due to the cold weather.”

Grace Baptist Academy: Closed Tuesday. In a note to parents, the academy said: “Due to the severe winter weather, there will be no school Tuesday, Jan. 16. We expect to resume our normal schedule on Wednesday.”

Gulfport School District: Closed Tuesday. In a note to parents, the district said: “All Gulfport Schools will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 16, due to the number of staff living outside the Gulfport School District and for the safety of our students.”

Hancock County School District: Closed Tuesday. In a note to parents, the district said: “Due to a forecast of inclement weather in the area and to ensure the safety of our staff and students, Hancock County School District will be closed on Tuesday.” Classes are expected to resume on Wednesday.

Harrison County School District: Closed Tuesday. In a note to parents, the district said: “Due to the potential of hazardous weather conditions, all schools and offices in the Harrison County School District will be closed tomorrow (Tuesday), Jan. 16. Classes are scheduled to resume on Wednesday.”

Jackson County School District: Closed Tuesday. In a note to parents, the district said: “Due to the uncertainty of the winter weather coming in the morning, Jackson County School District will be closing schools and canceling all athletic events Tuesday Jan. 16. Please watch for updates regarding school changes for Wednesday, Jan. 17.”

Long Beach School District: Closed Tuesday. In a note to parents, the district said: “Based on recommendations of local EMS, and out of an abundance of caution, Long Beach School District will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 16. This includes all schools and offices. In addition, all afterschool, extracurricular activities, including practices, and games will be canceled. We will continue to monitor the conditions and be back in touch tomorrow regarding Wednesday’s schedule.”

Moss Point School District: Closed Tuesday. In a note to parents, the district said: “Moss Point School District will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 16, due to the conditions forecasted with the incoming winter weather. No students or employees are to report to MPSD tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 16. All after school activities, athletic activities are canceled and the Boys and Girls Club will be closed. The January School Board meeting will be rescheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 5:30 pm. Please continue to follow the District and school Facebook pages, call out and text message system for updates. Continue to stay safe and enjoy the rest of your evening.”

Nativity BVM School: Closed Tuesday. In a message to parents, the school said: “Due to the predicted weather coming our way and the possibility of icy roads, Nativity BVM Catholic School will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 16. Stay safe and warm and we will see you on Wednesday.”

Ocean Springs School District: Closed Tuesday. In a note to parents, the district said: “OSSD has elected to cancel school and extracurricular activities on Tuesday, Jan. 16, due to anticipated freezing weather and road conditions in our area. We are scheduled to resume normal school operations on Wednesday, Jan. 17.”

Our Lady Academy: Closed Tuesday. In a note to parents, the academy said: “OLA, SSC, and HTCS will close tomorrow due to the winter weather advisory that has been issued for our area. This decision was made in conjunction with the Hancock County EOC, county agencies, and local school districts.”

Pascagoula-Gautier School District: Closed Tuesday. In a note to parents, the district said: “PGSD schools will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 16, due to the conditions forecasted with the incoming winter weather. The decision was made out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of students, parents and employees. The district will continue to monitor the weather and a decision about school for Wednesday, Jan. 17 will be posted at 4 p.m. tomorrow on the District and school Facebook pages and through text message. Please stay safe and please share this message.”

Pass Christian School District: Closed Tuesday. In a post on the social media platform X, the district said: “Due to impending freezing weather conditions and out of an abundance of caution, the Pass Christian School District will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 16. We expect to have school using our normal schedule on Wednesday.”

St. Alphonsus Catholic School: Closed Tuesday. In a message to parents, the school said: “Due to the winter weather coming our way and the possibility of icy roads, St. Alphonsus Catholic School will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 16. We look forward to seeing you Wednesday, Jan. 17.”

Higher education

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College: Closed Tuesday. The school reports: “All MGCCC locations and centers will be closed on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, due to inclement weather. All classes will be virtual. Residence halls and dining hall at the Perk Campus will remain open. College administration will continue to monitor the weather and will send out more information via Regroup and the official College social media channels as it becomes available.”

University of Southern Mississippi: Delayed open. The school reports “Due to a Winter Weather Advisory issued from the National Weather Service, the University of Southern Mississippi will delay opening its offices until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, across all locations. Offices supporting students’ return to campus will be staffed to assist students. Employees driving longer distances, through dangerous conditions or with children impacted by local school closures should use discretion and communicate directly with their supervisors if unable to report. Classes and normal operations will resume Wednesday, Jan. 17, as scheduled.

William Carey University: Closed Tuesday. William Carey University reports that “all locations will be closed Tuesday. This includes WCU locations in Hattiesburg, Biloxi/Tradition and Baton Rouge, La. All in-person classes will shift to Canvas. As of now, campuses are scheduled to reopen as normal on Wednesday.”