Lexington Schools Set to Cancel Sixth Consecutive School Day After Snowstorm Fern
Ongoing Weather Disruptions in Lexington Continue to Affect Schools
Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) in Lexington, Kentucky, have announced another snow day for Monday, February 2, 2026, marking the sixth consecutive school day the district will not hold in-person classes. This comes as Winter Storm Fern, which hit Central Kentucky on January 23 and 24, continues to cause hazardous weather conditions. The storm, which left behind several inches of snow and a thick layer of ice, has left much of the region, including school parking lots and roads, covered and unsafe for travel.
As temperatures in Lexington remain below freezing, FCPS officials have opted for a traditional snow day, citing „continuing weather and road conditions“ as the main reason for the closure. The district has urged families to remain alert for updates on after-school and evening activities, as the unpredictable weather is expected to persist. Last week, the district held virtual classes for four out of five school days, and in-person classes have not been held since before the storm hit. FCPS spokesperson Miranda Scully confirmed that staff have been working non-stop to clear school grounds, but many areas remain unsafe as of Sunday, February 1.
Winter Storm Fern’s Impact and Worsening Conditions
Winter Storm Fern’s impact has extended well beyond just school closures. Meteorologists predict that temperatures in the Lexington area will not exceed 40 degrees Fahrenheit for the foreseeable future, which will likely exacerbate icy conditions on roadways. Forecasts also warn of additional snow accumulation and possible wintry mix on Tuesday, February 3, further hindering the region’s efforts to return to normal. Schools are not the only ones affected; other Central Kentucky districts, such as neighboring Scott County, have also canceled classes as a result of the storm’s aftermath.
The situation has raised concerns about snow removal priorities across the city, particularly when it comes to clearing school parking lots. A number of city officials and residents have voiced frustration about the lack of coordination between city crews and the school district. Richard Moloney, a former city councilman running for the 11th District seat, criticized the city for plowing school parking lots while many residential streets remained covered in snow. In a social media post, Moloney expressed concerns about the allocation of taxpayer resources, arguing that the city should prioritize public streets for residents instead of school property.
City officials have defended their actions, stating that the snow removal at schools was done at the request of Fayette County Schools. Susan Straub, spokesperson for Mayor Linda Gorton, confirmed that city crews helped clear school grounds as part of a community partnership, despite Moloney’s criticism. Mayor Gorton responded to the controversy by emphasizing the city’s commitment to assisting local schools and vowed to revise the city’s snow removal plan to better address the challenges of ice storms moving forward.
Amid these challenges, the question of how to improve snow and ice removal has become a central issue for the community. FCPS has been grappling with the ongoing disruption to its educational system, and even educator Gerry Brooks, known for his humorous takes on school life, shared his concerns about the effects of extreme cold on students. Brooks pointed out that many students, unprepared for such harsh weather, lack the proper clothing for waiting outside in subfreezing temperatures.
The broader debate over snow removal priorities and the adequacy of the city’s response continues to unfold, with local officials, candidates, and citizens all weighing in on how best to handle such severe weather events in the future. As the weather remains unpredictable, it seems clear that the storm’s aftermath will continue to dominate local discourse, particularly as parents, students, and city leaders alike wrestle with questions of preparedness and resource allocation.
