Several schools have shut down for the entirety of the week as crews work to recover from damage caused by Winter Storm Fern, which left icy roads, downed trees, and widespread power outages across north Mississippi.
The Oxford School District and Lafayette County Schools announced all schools will remain closed through the week due to extensive storm damage and unsafe conditions.
District officials cited power issues and hazardous travel conditions as factors in the decision, saying additional time is needed to assess the facilities and complete repairs before students and staff can safely return.
Regents School of Oxford also announced a weeklong closure, telling families the decision was made out of an abundance of caution as freezing temperatures and infrastructure concerns persist.
The University of Mississippi also closed campus operations for the week, citing ongoing power restoration efforts and unsafe road conditions. University officials encouraged students to remain indoors and monitor official alerts as crews continue cleanup efforts across campus.
Local officials continue to urge residents to stay off the roads unless necessary, as ice, fallen limbs, and lingering power outages remain a concern across Lafayette County.
School leaders say updates on reopening plans will be shared as conditions improve and damage assessments are completed.