Cumberland County Schools Closed as Ice, Cold Grip Region After Storm

Cumberland County school districts were closed Tuesday, January 27, 2026, for a second consecutive day as a winter storm brought hazardous snow and ice conditions to the region. Forecasts showed dangerously cold temperatures overnight into Tuesday morning, with below-zero wind chills and temperatures in the single digits. The National Weather Service issued a cold weather advisory for most of New Jersey from 7 p.m. Monday through 10 a.m. Wednesday.

All major school districts in Cumberland County suspended operations for Tuesday. The closures included Bridgeton City School District, Commercial Township School District, Cumberland County Board of Vocational Education, Cumberland Regional School District, and Deerfield Township School District. Downe Township School District, Fairfield Township School District, Greenwich Township School District, Hopewell Township School District, Lawrence Township School District, Maurice River Township School District, and Millville School District also closed. Stow Creek Township School District, Upper Deerfield Township School District, and Vineland Public School District suspended operations as well.

The shutdowns followed a weekend winter storm that brought heavy snowfall across the region. Snow accumulation combined with falling temperatures created hazardous conditions on roadways and sidewalks. Ice formed on top of existing snow, making travel dangerous and prompting officials to urge residents to avoid unnecessary trips. Road crews worked to clear major thoroughfares, while many secondary roads remained impassable or hazardous.

The closures required families to arrange alternative childcare for a second consecutive day. Parents who worked outside the home faced additional challenges due to the extended shutdowns. Essential workers, including healthcare personnel, emergency responders, and utility crews, continued commuting in dangerous conditions while maintaining critical services throughout the storm and cold snap.

School transportation departments based closure decisions on road conditions that were unsafe for bus operations. Ice-covered roads and extreme cold created risks for drivers and passengers. The National Weather Service advisory warned that wind chill temperatures below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin within minutes. Local emergency services remained on alert for weather-related incidents, including vehicle accidents on icy roads and medical emergencies related to extreme cold exposure.

School districts continued monitoring weather conditions and road safety through Tuesday night and Wednesday morning to determine whether normal operations could resume. The cold weather advisory remained in effect through 10 a.m. Wednesday.