All schools under the Halifax Regional Centre for Education are closed today, Monday, January 19, 2026, after a winter storm blanketed the region overnight and disrupted services across Halifax Regional Municipality.
Education officials confirmed the decision early Monday morning, citing heavy snowfall, deteriorating road conditions, and widespread power outages affecting multiple school buildings. The closure applies to all HRCE schools for the day.
Why schools are closed today
According to HRCE, the decision was made after assessing several compounding factors that made safe travel and operations difficult:
- 15–20 centimetres of snow accumulated overnight across much of HRM
- Ongoing snowfall through the morning commute, reducing visibility
- Slippery, snow-covered roads creating hazardous driving conditions
- Power outages impacting several schools and surrounding communities
Officials noted that conditions were expected to worsen during peak travel hours, increasing risks for students, families, and staff.
What families need to know
There will be no in-person classes at HRCE schools today. Families are encouraged to monitor official HRCE channels for updates regarding extracurricular activities, after-school programs, and any potential guidance on learning continuity.
Parents and guardians are also urged to use caution if travel is necessary, as municipal crews continue snow-clearing operations across the region.
Weather and power impacts across HRM
The storm has affected large parts of Halifax and surrounding communities, with icy sidewalks, reduced visibility, and intermittent power loss reported since the early hours of the morning. Utility crews are working to restore electricity where outages persist, while road crews focus on major routes before residential streets.
Emergency officials continue to advise residents to limit non-essential travel and check local alerts for road and weather updates.
When will schools reopen?
As of now, HRCE has not announced whether schools will resume normal operations on Tuesday. Decisions are typically made based on overnight conditions, forecasts, and infrastructure status, including power restoration and road safety.
Families should expect an update later today or early Tuesday morning.
