Mid-Missouri criteria to cancel classes with low temperatures

UPDATE 6:40 P.M.: To see the list of closings and cancelations, click here.

ORIGINAL STORY: Columbia Public Works had a full 22-person staff working Monday morning to treat and plow designated areas to allow commuters to get to and from their destination.

Barry Dalton, with Columbia Public Works, told ABC 17 News that even though most roads are passable, some roads are still slick in some areas, and it’s important for drivers to drive slower than usual.

ABC 17 meteorologists said Monday’s wind gusts will be up to 30 mph and windchills will feel below zero all day, and with this evening getting worse, ABC 17 News is tracking on the factors school districts take to closing schools.

With Tuesday morning temperatures dropping toward zero and windchills minus 20, Jefferson City Public Schools superintendent Larry Linthacum said because Missouri weather is unpredictable, many factors are to be considered, canceling school takes much consideration.

“Cold is usually a little more predictable. You are thinking from a student standpoint waiting at a bus stop. You are thinking (of) a 16-year-old driving a two-wheel-driven car or vehicle. You are thinking of your buses. You are thinking of your staff and traveling to school. So, there’s a lot of factors that do come into play,” Linthacum said.

Linthacum told ABC 17 News he and his staff will be touching base later Monday afternoon and evening, and if they feel the need to cancel classes, they will notify parents and staff as soon as they can.

For a list of school cancelations, click here.