Middle Tennessee, October 12, 2025
News Summary
Several school districts in Middle Tennessee have announced closures and delayed start times for students due to severe winter weather and a flu outbreak. The decision comes after a winter storm brought extreme cold temperatures, prompting safety concerns for students. Cheatham, Robertson, and Dickson County Schools are among those affected. Tennessee is currently experiencing high flu transmission rates, ranking fourth in the nation. Additional weather conditions, including a flood watch, further complicate the situation as residents prepare for potential hazardous conditions. Updates on school closures will be provided as the situation evolves.
Middle Tennessee Schools Close and Delay Start Times Due to Extreme Weather and Flu Outbreaks on February 21
Numerous school districts across Middle Tennessee have announced closures or delayed start times for students on Friday, February 21, in response to lingering extreme cold temperatures and an outbreak of the flu. The closures follow a severe winter storm that struck the region earlier in the week, prompting officials to prioritize student safety during these adverse conditions.
The Cheatham and Robertson County Schools were among the first districts to announce closures, making their decisions public on Thursday afternoon. As winter weather continues into Friday, the Dickson County Schools also opted to close due to an alarming number of flu cases affecting students and staff.
According to recent data from Walgreens, Tennessee ranks fourth in the United States for flu activity, leading health officials to classify the state as experiencing high levels of flu transmission, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Weather Impact and Additional Closures
Following the winter storm, several regions across the state have experienced significant rainfall, and further storm damage is anticipated. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for portions of Middle Tennessee, valid until 7 a.m. on Sunday, indicating the potential for hazardous road conditions and flooding in low-lying areas.
The Cheatham County Schools’ extended daycare program will continue to operate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; however, all extracurricular activities and community use of school facilities have been canceled. Conversely, daycares within Robertson County will be closed due to the weather conditions, as communicated by the School Director’s email.
Winter Storm Forecast
A highly impactful winter storm is poised to hit Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky starting early Friday morning. Snow is expected to begin in the western section of the region between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. and will gradually spread eastward throughout the morning hours. In Nashville and areas along Interstate 65, snowfall is forecasted to start between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m., while locations on the Cumberland Plateau should expect snow beginning between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Steady snow is anticipated to persist through Friday afternoon, with some areas experiencing heavier bands of snowfall. Total snow accumulations across most of Middle Tennessee are projected to fall within the range of 4 to 6 inches. This accumulation could lead to rapidly deteriorating road conditions, impacting travel plans and airport operations.
Cold Weather Advisory
The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for the region due to dangerously low temperatures. Wind chill values on Friday morning are expected to drop, ranging from zero to 7 degrees. Residents are urged to dress in layers and to protect vulnerable individuals, pets, and plumbing from the harsh cold.
What’s Next?
As the situation develops, school closures and delays will be updated as new announcements are made. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay informed regarding the status of their local schools and the conditions of the roads as the winter storm progresses.
FAQ
Why are schools in Middle Tennessee closed on February 21?
Schools are closed due to extreme cold temperatures and an outbreak of flu in the region following a recent winter storm.
What is the weather forecast for February 21 in Middle Tennessee?
A winter storm is expected to bring snow starting in the early hours, accumulating between 4 to 6 inches, with a Cold Weather Advisory in effect.
Are there any daycare services available on February 21?
Cheatham County’s extended daycare program will operate, but daycares in Robertson County will be closed.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| School Closures | Cheatham, Robertson, and Dickson County Schools closed or delayed start times. |
| Flu Activity | Tennessee ranks #4 in the U.S. for flu activity according to Walgreens data. |
| Weather Conditions | Snow forecast of 4-6 inches, with a Cold Weather Advisory in effect. |
| Emergency Alerts | Flood watch issued for parts of Middle Tennessee until Sunday morning. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Chattanooga Declares Local State of Emergency After Flooding
Garfield Re-2 School District Delays Start Due to Wildfires
Additional Resources
- FOX 17 News
- Wikipedia: School Closure
- The Tennessean
- Google Search: Nashville school closures
- WSMV News
- Google Scholar: Nashville school closures
- News Channel 5
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closures
- The Tennessean – Weather Closures
- Google News: Nashville area school closures
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