Thousands of students across metro Atlanta are packing their backpacks and preparing to return to classrooms Tuesday. Following a sweeping winter storm that coated the region in ice and prompted widespread closures, major school districts and universities have given the green light to resume operations. While the school doors are opening, officials urge parents to exercise extreme caution as freezing temperatures and black ice remain lingering threats.
Major Districts and Universities Announce Return to Class
The reprieve from the winter weather has allowed road crews to clear enough major arteries for buses to run safely. Parents in Atlanta Public Schools, Cobb, DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Fulton County can expect a return to normal schedules on Tuesday, January 27. This decision comes after district officials spent Monday assessing road conditions and power stability at campus facilities.
The reopening list covers a vast portion of the metro area. In addition to the “Big Five” districts, students in City Schools of Decatur, Cherokee, Clayton, Douglas, Fayette, Griffin-Spalding, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale counties are also heading back. Marietta City Schools will welcome students back as well.
Higher education institutions are also shifting back to in-person learning. Most campuses will operate on a standard schedule, but students should check their specific university portals for last-minute adjustments.
University Reopening Schedules for Tuesday:
| Institution | Schedule Status | Specific Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Tech | Normal Operations | Classes resume as scheduled. |
| Georgia State | Normal Operations | Includes all satellite campuses. |
| Kennesaw State | Normal Operations | Buses running normal routes. |
| Emory University | Normal Operations | Shuttles operational. |
| UGA | DELAYED | Staff report at noon; classes start at 1:15 p.m. |
| Univ. North Georgia | VIRTUAL | Asynchronous learning day; open Wednesday. |
Atlanta’s historically Black colleges and universities have also confirmed plans to resume normal operations. Students at the University of Georgia need to pay special attention to their delayed start time. The Athens campus will not begin in-person classes until 1:15 p.m. to allow morning ice to melt.
Frigid Temperatures and Black Ice Pose Morning Risks
While schools are opening, the weather remains a critical factor for the Tuesday morning commute. Meteorologists forecast temperatures to hover in the 20s and teens across the metro area. This extreme cold means that any moisture left on the roads from the previous day’s storm could refreeze into black ice.
“Please take your time,” Marietta City Schools Superintendent Grant Rivera advised in a message to families. He emphasized safety over punctuality. Rivera noted that students should dress warmly in layers and assured parents that late arrivals due to travel conditions will be excused.
Specific concerns remain for bus routes in areas with fewer streetlights or tree coverage. Clayton County officials issued a specific advisory regarding wind chills.
“Wind chills could dip into the single digits Tuesday morning. Families should expect the weather to affect bus arrival times as drivers navigate carefully.”
Drivers must remain vigilant. Black ice is nearly impossible to see on asphalt. It often looks like a wet patch but offers zero traction. If you hit a patch of ice, do not slam on the brakes. Take your foot off the gas and steer gently in the direction you want to go.
North Georgia Schools Remain Closed Amid Power Outages
The recovery picture looks significantly different north of the metro area. The winter storm hit the mountainous regions with greater intensity. Heavier ice accumulation has led to downed trees and snapped power lines that utility crews are still working to repair.
Because of these hazardous conditions, public schools in several northern counties will not reopen Tuesday. The districts remaining closed include:
- Fannin County
- Habersham County
- Hall County
- Lumpkin County
- Rabun County
- Union County
- White County
In these areas, the risk of buses encountering impassable roads or schools lacking electricity is too high. Residents in these counties are also dealing with lingering power outages at home. Utility companies have deployed extra crews, but the rugged terrain makes restoration difficult.
Essential Safety Tips for Tuesday Morning Commute
For families in the reopening districts, the Tuesday morning routine requires extra preparation. You cannot treat this as a standard school day. The combination of early morning darkness and sub-freezing temperatures requires a shift in behavior to keep everyone safe.
Key Safety Steps for Parents and Students:
- Layer Up: Ensure children have gloves, heavy coats, and hats. Frostbite can occur quickly in single-digit wind chills.
- Charge Devices: Make sure phones are fully charged in case of bus delays or emergencies.
- Wait Safely: Do not let children wait for the bus in the street. Keep them back from the curb, as sliding cars may lose control.
- Check Fluids: Drivers should check their antifreeze levels and ensure they have plenty of gas in the tank.
MARTA is continuing to ramp up bus service after the storm disruptions. However, commuters utilizing public transit should check the app for real-time delays. The cold weather places stress on mechanical equipment, which can lead to slower service frequencies.
The Governor has directed state agencies to continue monitoring the situation. While the worst of the precipitation has passed, the “brine boss” trucks and GDOT crews remain on standby to treat problem spots on interstates. The focus now shifts from storm survival to a safe recovery and return to normalcy.
