East Grand Forks District Calls Off School on Friday, March 13
Exclusive: East Grand Forks School District canceled classes on Friday, March 13, as a powerful blizzard swept northern Minnesota, Schools closed!
District leaders first planned a two-hour delay earlier Thursday.
However, worsening forecasts quickly forced officials to change that decision.
As a result, administrators canceled school completely for the day.
Students will not attend classes, and the district scheduled no e-learning activities.
Instead, families should monitor school alerts for further weather updates.
Officials emphasized safety as their top concern during severe winter conditions.
Blowing snow and icy roads could create dangerous travel for buses and commuters.
Therefore, school leaders decided early closure offered the safest option.
Local authorities also warned residents to limit travel during the storm.
Blizzard Warnings Impact Northern Minnesota Schools
A powerful winter storm triggered blizzard warnings across much of northern Minnesota.
Meteorologists predicted strong winds, freezing temperatures, and heavy snowfall across several counties.
Consequently, many school districts began adjusting schedules late Thursday afternoon.
Some districts canceled classes entirely to protect students and staff.
Others shifted to online learning or delayed morning schedules.
Weather experts expect parts of the North Shore to receive more than twelve inches of snow.
Such snowfall could quickly block rural roads and slow highway travel.
Furthermore, strong winds may create near-zero visibility in open areas.
Because of those risks, many schools moved quickly to update families.
Several Districts Move Classes Online
Some districts decided to continue learning through virtual classrooms.
For example, Duluth Public Schools shifted to online instruction for Friday.
Administrators said remote learning allows students to continue lessons safely.
Similarly, districts like Barnum, Cloquet, and Hermantown announced e-learning days.
Teachers will connect with students through digital platforms throughout the day.
However, not every school district chose online learning.
Some districts preferred full closures to avoid technical disruptions.
Delayed Starts Announced Across the Region
Meanwhile, other districts adopted delayed start schedules for Friday morning.
Cook County schools in Grand Marais announced a two-hour delay for classes.
Officials hoped road crews could clear major routes before students traveled.
Several Minnesota colleges also adjusted their schedules because of the storm.
The College of St. Scholastica and Lake Superior College both planned delayed openings.
Additionally, Northland Community and Technical College scheduled later campus operations.
Officials Continue Monitoring Travel Conditions
School officials will continue monitoring road conditions and weather updates.
They remain in close contact with highway departments and emergency officials.
Meanwhile, families should watch district announcements for further updates.
Community leaders encourage residents to stay cautious during the storm.
Ultimately, safety remains the district’s highest priority during severe winter weather.
