Winter Storm Fern Disrupts School Schedules Across the Columbus Area
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A important winter weather event, Winter Storm Fern, is causing widespread disruptions to the academic calendar across the Columbus, Georgia, region. Multiple school districts have announced closures or delays for Monday, January 26, 2026, as officials brace for severe cold and perhaps hazardous road conditions.
School Closures and Delays Announced
Several school districts within the Chattahoochee Valley are adjusting their schedules in response to the approaching storm. The decisions, announced Sunday, prioritize the safety of students and staff amidst forecasts of freezing temperatures and icy roadways.
Muscogee County School District-will operate on a two-hour delay Monday. According to a news release issued Sunday afternoon, the delay is “based on the latest weather advisories forecasting severe cold temperatures and potential icy road conditions for the Columbus area tomorrow morning.” All schools within the district will begin instruction two hours later then their regularly scheduled start times.
Harris County School District-has opted for a full closure on Monday. A statement on the district’s Facebook page cited “the potential for winter weather and the possibility of rain freezing on roadways overnight” as the primary reason for the decision. The district noted that the Harris county government has suspended services, and maintaining student and staff safety is paramount. Closing schools will also help alleviate strain on emergency services.
Chattahoochee County School District-schools will also be closed Monday “due to freezing temperatures and the risk of black ice on the roads.” Officials emphasized their commitment to the safety of all faculty, staff, and students.
Phenix City Schools-will implement a two-hour delayed start on Monday.The district advised parents to “plan accordingly and allow extra time for travel in the morning” due to potentially hazardous conditions.
Russell County School District-announced a full closure for Monday, citing “extremely cold temperatures and the potential for icy road conditions.”
Lee County Schools-will also begin classes two hours late on Monday, “based on the latest weather advisories and out of an abundance of caution for all stakeholders.” The declaration clarified that the delay applies to both school start times and bus stop pickup times.
St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School-will also have a two-hour delayed start. Student drop-off will begin at 9:30 a.m.,with classes starting at 10 a.m. Mass for middle and high school students has been canceled, but all students in pre-K4 through 12th grade should still wear their regular school uniforms.
Higher Education Impacts
The impact of winter Storm Fern extends beyond K-12 education. Columbus State University-is delaying the start of in-person operations and instruction until 11 a.m. on Monday. Before 11 a.m.,classes will be held virtually,and employees will work remotely. Further facts is available on the university’s emergency website: https://www.columbusstate.edu/emergency/.
Chattahoochee Valley Community College-will close its campus entirely on Monday “due to inclement weather.” All scheduled classes will transition to virtual instruction.
These widespread closures and delays underscore the potential severity of Winter Storm Fern and the commitment of local educational institutions to prioritizing the safety of their communities. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about evolving weather conditions and heed the advice of local authorities.
This story was originally published January 25, 2026, at 3:12 PM.
Mark Rice is the Ledger-Enquirer’s senior reporter and deputy editor. He has been covering Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley for more than 30 years. He welcomes your local news tips, feature story ideas, inquiry suggestions, and compelling questions.
