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Buffalo, Niagara Falls Schools Declare States of Emergency Due to Winter Storm

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. are-states-of-emergency-due-to-winter-storm.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 23:08 GMT by WIVB
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

Buffalo, N.Y. - February 24th, 2026 - Buffalo Public Schools (BPS) and Niagara Falls City Schools (NFCS) have officially declared states of emergency today, February 24th, 2026, as a brutal winter storm continues to batter Western New York. The escalating conditions have forced both districts to shift to remote learning, impacting thousands of students and placing a strain on essential personnel. This declaration marks a significant intensification of the ongoing winter crisis, prompting concerns about long-term educational disruption and community wellbeing.

Both BPS and NFCS announced the closures and the switch to remote instruction via their official websites this morning. The immediate decision prioritizes the safety of students, teachers, and staff, acknowledging the perilous travel conditions and dangerously low wind chills currently gripping the region. While students will continue their education remotely, essential personnel - including facilities staff, security, and some administrative roles - are required to report to their respective stations, adding complexity to logistical challenges.

The declaration of a state of emergency isn't simply about closing schools; it's about granting districts the necessary operational flexibility to respond effectively to a rapidly evolving situation. This includes streamlined procurement of essential supplies like snow removal equipment, fuel for generators, and potentially even resources for providing remote learning access to students without reliable internet connectivity. It also allows for the redirection of staff to critical tasks, such as ensuring building safety and addressing emergency maintenance issues.

"This is a proactive measure to ensure the wellbeing of our students and staff," stated Dr. Evelyn Reed, Superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools, in a press release. "The severity of the storm and the associated dangers necessitate this response. We are committed to minimizing disruption to learning and providing continued support to our families during this challenging time."

The current weather system is characterized by unusually heavy snowfall, significantly exceeding seasonal averages. Accumulations are already exceeding two feet in some areas, with forecasts predicting an additional foot or more over the next 24-48 hours. Coupled with sustained high winds, this is creating blizzard-like conditions and treacherous wind chills, making even short periods outdoors potentially life-threatening. Travel advisories are in effect for the entire region, with widespread road closures and cancellations of public transportation.

This situation isn't isolated to school districts. Emergency services are stretched thin, responding to a surge in calls related to weather-related incidents, including car accidents, power outages, and medical emergencies. The local hospital systems are preparing for a potential influx of patients suffering from hypothermia or injuries sustained during the storm.

The shift to remote learning, while prioritizing safety, introduces its own set of challenges. Digital equity remains a significant concern, with a considerable number of students in both districts lacking reliable access to computers and broadband internet. School officials are working to address this gap by providing hotspots and making community resources available, but these efforts are often insufficient to meet the overwhelming need. Furthermore, the extended period of remote learning could exacerbate existing learning gaps and impact student engagement.

Looking ahead, the duration of the state of emergency and the continued reliance on remote learning remain uncertain. Officials are closely monitoring the weather patterns and will reassess the situation on a day-to-day basis. The impact on the school calendar is also under consideration, with the possibility of extending the school year or implementing alternative learning strategies to compensate for lost instructional time. The prolonged nature of this winter event raises questions about the region's preparedness for increasingly severe weather events, potentially linked to the broader impacts of climate change. A thorough review of emergency protocols and infrastructure investments will likely be necessary to mitigate the risks of future disruptions.