LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. — So first, Loudoun County School (LCPS) officials announced that they were going to be delayed for two hours due to icy conditions on Friday. Then out of nowhere, the school system decided to close schools.
Was that really necessary?
Well, yes, according to the LCPS weather team.
The National Weather Service issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the region. With the weather threat, the LCPS weather team monitored the reported conditions in the area.
"The LCPS weather team assessed the forecast, which included the potential for freezing rain, primarily in the western portions of the county. The probability this winter weather would create unsafe conditions was in a middle range. The decision was made to delay a decision until the following morning. The team reconvened at 4 a.m. on Friday, December 13, 2019, via teleconference with numerous team members traveling the roadways to observe conditions."
And, how were they able to determine that having schools closed was a better option for students' safety during wintry weather conditions?
"Utilizing the 5 a.m. update from National Weather Service and confirmation of continued low temperatures, the decision was made to close schools around 6:30 a.m."
Loudoun County Public Schools is entirely focused on student and staff safety when determining the status of schools and administrative offices during winter weather events.
With that being said, given the sustained forecast and resulting risk of injury, school authorities decided to close schools with a continuing focus on safety.