Massachusetts and New Hampshire school closings extend into Tuesday as snow removal continues after storm

Closures and delays expected to remain fluid as communities dig out

A growing number of public school districts in Massachusetts and New Hampshire are closing for Tuesday, January 27, as cleanup continues following a two-day winter storm that delivered heavy snowfall across the region.

The closures come after widespread disruptions on Monday, when many school systems shut down amid hazardous travel and difficult conditions for buses and pedestrians. By Monday afternoon, communities were still contending with snow-covered side streets, narrowed travel lanes, and large accumulations at intersections and bus stops. School leaders cited ongoing plowing, sidewalk clearing, and building access as key factors in whether classes can resume safely.

What is driving Tuesday decisions

Beyond total snowfall, districts typically weigh several operational hurdles when deciding whether to reopen after a major storm: the ability to clear school grounds and parking lots, safe walking routes for students, reliable bus service, and whether temperatures and daylight conditions allow for continued cleanup before morning arrival times.

In many communities, crews have focused first on main roads and emergency routes, with residential streets and narrower neighborhood corridors taking longer to fully clear. That sequencing can complicate school transportation and student drop-off, particularly where bus routes include hilly roads and densely packed neighborhoods.

• Street conditions: ongoing plowing and snowbank removal can limit visibility and road width.
• Pedestrian safety: sidewalks and crosswalk approaches may remain blocked or icy.
• Bus access: turnaround points and curbside stops often require additional clearing.
• Facilities readiness: school lots, entrances, and drop-off zones must be cleared for safe arrival and dismissal.

How families can confirm status

Districts in both states are updating families through official channels, including automated calls, emails, district websites, and social media feeds. Because the list of closures and delays can change as conditions evolve, families are encouraged to check their district’s most recent communication before Tuesday morning.

School leaders across the region have signaled that the primary constraint is not only snowfall totals, but the time required to clear streets, sidewalks, and bus stops to a standard that supports safe travel.

What to watch next

Additional decisions for after-school activities and evening events may be issued separately from morning closure announcements. In communities where roads remain tight and snowbanks restrict sightlines, districts may also adjust transportation plans or building access even after classes resume.

Tuesday’s closures and delays are expected to remain a moving target into the evening hours Monday as municipal crews continue clearing operations and school administrators assess local conditions.