Springfield, area schools close 'due to freezing rain and icy roads,' bus routes delayed

Springfield Public Schools officials canceled classes Monday, citing the threat of "freezing rain and icy roads" as the reason for the closure.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory through 3 p.m. noting the possibility of up to 1/4-inch of freezing rain. In counties to the east and southeast of Springfield, a ice storm warning is in effect during the same time period.

The school closure applies to both in-person and live virtual classes. Information about other activities and athletics will be shared via the district’s social media platforms, according to a message sent to parents and others. For more information, see the district website at sps.org.

Outside of Springfield, many area districts also canceled classes or went virtual due to the weather.

Ozark, Nixa, Willard and Branson were among those canceling classes while Republic, Strafford and Logan-Rogersville are flipping to an Alternative Method of Instruction day, which means students do not report to school in person and are either given assignments or expected to learn virtually.

Springfield City Utilities also announced it has suspended operation of local buses due to road conditions and would not be running routes until later today. An update will be provided as travel conditions improve.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield, area schools close 'due to freezing rain and icy roads'