Quick Read
- Plano ISD and numerous other North Texas school districts announced closures for Monday, January 26, 2026.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 134 counties ahead of the winter storm.
- The region is expected to experience nearly 100 hours of sub-freezing temperatures, the most significant storm since February 2021.
- Hospitals, museums, and major events like the Texas Rangers Fan Fest have also canceled or postponed activities.
- The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo and a cheerleading competition are proceeding with safety measures in place.
DALLAS (Azat TV) – North Texas is bracing for nearly 100 hours of sub-freezing temperatures, prompting widespread school closures, including Plano Independent School District (ISD), and a disaster declaration from Governor Greg Abbott across 134 counties. The severe winter storm, expected to bring ice, snow, and sleet, marks the most significant weather event for the region since February 2021, leading to extensive disruptions across educational institutions, healthcare services, and public events as of Saturday, January 24, 2026, with closures extending into Monday, January 26.
Widespread School Closures Confirmed
On Saturday, numerous major school districts across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex announced their decision to close on Monday, January 26. Plano ISD was among the many districts confirming closures, joining Dallas ISD, Fort Worth ISD, Frisco ISD, Arlington ISD, Garland ISD, Lewisville ISD, Mesquite ISD, Richardson ISD, Mansfield ISD, Keller ISD, Irving ISD, Denton ISD, Northwest ISD, Grand Prairie ISD, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, and Prosper ISD. These proactive measures encompass public, charter, and private schools throughout North Texas, aiming to ensure the safety of students and staff in hazardous travel conditions.
Beyond Monday’s full closures, Plano ISD, along with others like Northwest ISD, Quinlan ISD, Rockwall ISD, Boyd ISD, and Godley ISD, had already postponed or rescheduled high school sporting events originally slated for the weekend. The decision to close schools reflects the serious nature of the forecast, with cold rain transitioning to a wintry mix and temperatures not expected to climb above freezing until Tuesday afternoon, according to meteorologists.
Broader Community Disruptions
The impact of the winter storm extends far beyond schools, affecting a wide array of public and private institutions. Governor Greg Abbott’s disaster declaration for 134 counties on Thursday underscored the severity of the impending weather, enabling state resources to be mobilized for emergency response. Healthcare services have also adjusted operations; Scottish Rite’s outpatient clinics and all ancillary appointments at its Dallas and Frisco campuses were canceled for Monday, January 26, though Dallas campus surgeries will proceed with a delayed start. Cook Children’s closed several primary and specialty care clinics early on Friday, advising the public to check their website for a full list of closures.
Cultural attractions and events have also seen significant cancellations and postponements. The Kimball Art Museum was closed for the weekend, as was the Perot Museum of Nature and Science on Saturday. The Dallas Opera canceled its Hart Institute for Women Conductors 10th Anniversary Showcase Concert, while the Dallas Museum of Art moved its ‘Late Night at the Museum’ event to February 6. Other notable cancellations included the Dallas Zoo for the weekend, the Texas Rangers’ Fan Fest in Arlington, and a Pat Green concert at Billy Bob’s Texas. The DeSoto state championship football parade was also pushed to January 31.
Events Proceed Amid Warnings
Despite the widespread cancellations, some major events are still proceeding, albeit with heightened safety precautions. The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo confirmed that its weekend events from January 23–25 would go ahead as planned. Organizers stated they are working closely with the City of Fort Worth to ensure public safety in light of the freezing temperatures and sleet. Similarly, the NCA High School Nationals Cheerleading Competition, scheduled for January 23–25, is proceeding at the Fort Worth Convention Center, as confirmed on its website.
These events are navigating a challenging environment where forecasters warn of nearly 100 consecutive hours of sub-freezing temperatures, potentially creating dangerous conditions on roads and walkways. Local authorities and event organizers are emphasizing vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines for those venturing out.
The extensive and preemptive closures across North Texas, including a significant number of school districts and public services, highlight a heightened focus on public safety and lessons learned from previous severe weather events in the region, particularly the February 2021 storm. The swift actions by state and local officials, alongside institutions like Plano ISD, aim to mitigate risks associated with prolonged freezing conditions and ensure community well-being.