Friday, January 16, 2026 · Michigan · Weather & Education
A wave of school closures across West and Central Michigan is disrupting classes today as a Winter Weather Advisory remains active through Saturday morning, prompting districts and community programs to suspend in-person operations amid hazardous travel conditions.
Multiple counties — including Newaygo, Kent, Allegan, Lake, and Mason — are under advisories for lake-effect snow, icy roads, and reduced visibility, according to local closure alerts compiled by 13 ON YOUR SIDE (WZZM) .
Schools and Programs Closed Today
As of Friday morning, the following schools and community education programs confirmed full closures:
- Grant Public Schools — Closed
- Hesperia Community Schools — Closed
- Newaygo Public Schools — Closed
- Grant Christian School — Closed
- Hesperia Area Child Development Center — Closed
- So. Newaygo FiveCAP Head Start Center — Closed
- Community PACE (Newaygo County) — Closed; staff to report at 8:30 a.m.
Why Schools Are Closing
Ongoing lake-effect snow bands and freezing temperatures near 21°F have created slippery roads and reduced visibility, particularly in rural areas where plowing can lag behind snowfall.
School leaders cited transportation safety concerns, including bus routes on untreated roads and difficult travel conditions for staff and students commuting from surrounding townships.
Winter Weather Advisory Details
The advisory began early Friday morning and remains in effect until 7:00 a.m. Saturday (EST). Affected counties currently include:
- Allegan County
- Kent County
- Lake County
- Mason County
Officials warn that additional closures or delayed starts may be announced if snow accumulation continues overnight.
Families are encouraged to monitor official district communications and trusted local news sources for real-time updates throughout the day.
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