Warren City Schools canceled classes Friday, Jan. 30, due to a cold snap and inclement weather in the Mahoning Valley. The announcement followed a day when the district remained open while dozens of other area schools closed or shifted to remote learning.

Superintendent Steve Chiaro had previously expressed a commitment to keeping buildings open whenever safe. In a message to families earlier this week, Chiaro noted that each community makes independent decisions based on local conditions. He explained that the district typically considers closing if there is a sustained wind chill of minus 10 degrees for multiple hours between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. or if snowfall reaches approximately 4 inches overnight.

On Thursday, the district held classes despite subzero temperatures and a cold weather advisory from the National Weather Service. While many neighboring districts like Austintown, Boardman, and Canfield were listed as closed on local news outlets, Warren students attended school as scheduled.

The decision to cancel Friday classes comes as the National Weather Service issued a cold weather advisory for the region. Forecasters predicted wind chills as low as 21 below zero from Friday evening through Saturday morning.

The district website cited the nature and timing of the weather as the primary reason for the Friday cancellation. Officials encouraged families to stay warm and safe during the arctic weather.

Current school closings and delays may be found here: School Closings and Delays - WFMJ.com