Middle Tennessee, October 12, 2025
News Summary
Multiple school districts in Middle Tennessee, including Cheatham, Robertson, and Dickson County Schools, announced closures and delayed start times due to severe winter weather and rising flu cases. Following a winter storm that brought extreme cold and snow accumulation, schools are prioritizing student safety amidst high flu activity in the area. The National Weather Service has also issued flood watches, predicting further snowfall and dangerously low wind chill values. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay updated on the latest announcements regarding school status.
Nashville, Tennessee — Multiple school districts in Middle Tennessee have announced closures and delayed start times on Friday, February 21, as a result of harsh winter conditions and rising flu cases within the region. The winter storm that passed through earlier this week has left lingering extreme cold temperatures and snow accumulation, prompting these decisions by school authorities.
Cheatham and Robertson County Schools were among the first to announce closures on Thursday afternoon, with other districts quickly following suit. Dickson County Schools specifically cited a high number of flu cases impacting its school community as a primary reason for shutting down.
As reported by Walgreens data, Tennessee currently ranks fourth in the United States for flu activity, adding to the urgency for these closures as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has flagged Tennessee as experiencing high flu activity levels. In light of the health risks posed by both the flu and extreme weather, schools are taking proactive measures to ensure student safety.
In addition to school closures, the winter weather has prompted the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue a flood watch for portions of Middle Tennessee until 7 a.m. Sunday. Some areas have already experienced several inches of rain and storm damage, with more anticipated rain and snow expected to begin early Friday morning.
The forecast indicates that snow will start in the western regions of Middle Tennessee between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., spreading eastward throughout the morning. By the time winter weather arrives in Nashville and along Interstate 65, snowfall is expected to begin between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m., while areas on the Cumberland Plateau can expect snow starting between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. Steady snow is projected to continue throughout the afternoon, with heavy bands of snow potentially impacting road conditions.
Travel conditions are expected to worsen rapidly due to the predicted snowfall, with total accumulations in the range of 4 inches to 6 inches for most of Middle Tennessee. The NWS has also issued a Cold Weather Advisory, warning residents of dangerously low temperatures that could lead to wind chill values dropping between zero and 7 degrees. Residents are advised to dress in layers and take precautions for vulnerable individuals, pets, and plumbing during these extreme weather conditions.
In response to the weather and health concerns, Cheatham County’s extended daycare program will operate on Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; however, there will be no extra-curricular activities or community use of school facilities. Conversely, daycare services in Robertson County will be closed on Friday, as per the Schools Director’s notice.
The list of school closures and delays is expected to be updated as more announcements are made throughout the day. Parents and guardians are advised to stay informed on the latest developments as the situation evolves.
FAQs
- Which school districts are closed or delayed on February 21? Multiple school districts including Cheatham, Robertson, and Dickson County Schools have announced closures or delays.
- What caused the school closures? The closures were prompted by extreme cold temperatures following a winter storm and a high number of flu cases.
- What are the weather predictions for February 21? Snow is expected to begin early in the morning with accumulations ranging from 4 to 6 inches impacting road conditions.
- Are there any exceptions for daycare programs? Cheatham County’s extended daycare will operate, but Robertson County daycares will be closed.
Key Weather Impacts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Snow Accumulation | 4 to 6 inches expected across most of Middle Tennessee |
| Wind Chill Values | Between 0 and 7 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Flood Watch | In effect until 7 a.m. Sunday for portions of Middle Tennessee |
| School Closures | Cheatham, Robertson, Dickson County Schools and others |
| Daycare Operations | Cheatham daycare open; Robertson County daycare closed |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Norfolk School Board Postpones Vote on Controversial Consolidation Plan
Norfolk School Board Confirms School Consolidation Plan
Norfolk Proposes School Closures Amid Enrollment Decline
Susquehanna Township Schools Cancel Classes Due to Bus Driver Shortage
Susquehanna Township Schools Close Due to Bus Driver Shortage
Houston Prepares for Back-to-School Week with Hot Weather and Storms
Vallejo City Considers School Closures Amid Budget Crisis
Chattanooga Declares Local State of Emergency After Major Flooding
Garfield Re-2 School District Delays Start of School Year
Cold Weather Forces School Closures in Middle Tennessee
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
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
