KC Blizzard Forces Widespread Closures For Safety

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KC Blizzard Aftermath: Essential Closures List for January 6-7, 2025

Kansas City experienced a severe blizzard this past weekend, leaving behind several inches of snow and ice, now coupled with dangerous sub-zero temperatures and wind chills. As maintenance crews work diligently to clear roads, numerous institutions across the metro area have announced widespread closures and transitions to virtual learning, primarily affecting Monday and Tuesday, January 6th and 7th, 2025, to ensure the safety of residents.

Widespread Closures Impact Education

Both K-12 school districts and several local universities have adjusted their schedules significantly due to the hazardous conditions. Many are opting for full closures or transitioning to virtual learning to keep students and staff safe from the extreme cold and icy travel.

K-12 School Districts Affected

Blue Springs Schools: Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Blue Valley School District: Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Center School District: Virtual learning Monday and Tuesday.
DeSoto schools, USD 232: Closed Monday (already a day off, employees also off).
Fort Leavenworth schools, USD 207: Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Fort Osage: Virtual day Tuesday.
Gardner Edgerton 231 School District: Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Grain Valley Schools: Closed Monday.
Grandview C-4 School District: Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Harrisonville Schools: Closed Monday.
Hickman Mills C-1 School District: Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Holden R-3 School District: Closed Monday.
Independence School District: Closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Kansas City, Kansas School District: Closed Monday.
Kansas City Public Schools: Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Kearney School District: Closed Monday.
KIPP Kansas City: Closed Monday.
Lansing USD 469: Closed Monday.
Leavenworth Unified School District: Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Liberty Public Schools: Closed Monday.
North Kansas City School District: Closed Monday, virtual class Tuesday.
Olathe Public Schools: Closed Monday.
Park Hill School District: Virtual learning Monday and Tuesday.
Pleasant Hill R-3: Virtual day Tuesday.
Pembroke Hill: Closed Monday.
Piper USD 203: Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Shawnee Mission School District: Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Smithville School District: Closed Monday, virtual day Tuesday.
Spring Hill Schools: Closed Monday.
Tonganoxie USD 464: Closed Tuesday.

Higher Education Institutions Closed

Kansas City Art Institute: Closed Monday.
Johnson County Community College: Closed Monday.
Park University: Closed Monday and Tuesday.
UCM’s Lee’s Summit and Warrensburg campuses: Closed Monday.
UMKC: Libraries and facilities operating remotely Monday (most classes on holiday break).

Civic and Cultural Life on Pause

Public services, cultural institutions, and government buildings are also impacted, prioritizing the safety of their staff and visitors amidst the extreme weather conditions.

Bonner Springs City Library: Closed Monday.
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Closed Monday, opening at noon Tuesday.
The Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City: Closed Monday, except fitness facilities open at noon.
Kansas City Public Library: Closed Monday.
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium: Closed Monday.
Independence Municipal Court: Closed Monday.
National WWI Museum and Memorial: Closed Monday and Tuesday.
State offices in Shawnee County: Closed Tuesday.
The Olathe Community Center: Closed Monday.
The Olathe Municipal Court: Closed Monday (remote help available).
The Olathe Public Library: Closed Monday.
The Parkville Living Center: Closed Monday.
The Powell Community Center in Mission: Closed Monday.
The Raytown Municipal Court: Closed Monday.
The Unified Government of Kansas City, Kansas, and Wyandotte County: Offices closed Monday.
The Veterans Community Project: Closed Monday.
The 16th Judicial Circuit: Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Local Businesses Close Doors for Safety

A variety of local businesses, from beloved coffee shops to popular eateries, have announced temporary closures, urging residents to stay home and off the hazardous roads.

Betty Rae’s Ice Cream: All KC area locations closed Monday.
Brown and Loe: Closed Monday.
Café Cà Phê: Closed Monday.
Donutology: Closed Monday.
Filling Station Coffee: Closed Monday.
French Custard: Closed Monday.
Hemma Hemma: Closed through Tuesday, Jan. 7.
Jack Stack: All locations closed.
Little Store on Knox: Closed Monday.
Made in KC (Lenexa location): Closed.
McLain’s: Closed Monday.
Messenger Coffee: 11624 Grand and 4771 Jefferson locations closed Monday.
Mildred’s: Closed Monday.
Parkville Coffee House: Closed Monday.
Rochester: Closed Monday.
Second Best Coffee: Closed Monday.
Take Care by Oleo: Closed Monday.
The Roasterie: Closed Monday.
Thou Mayest: Closed Monday.
Yarn Social: Closed Monday and Tuesday.

FAQs on Kansas City Closures

Which days are most affected by closures?
Monday and Tuesday, January 6th and 7th, 2025, are seeing the most widespread closures, with some institutions like Independence School District extending through Wednesday.
Are government offices in Kansas City closed?
Yes, various municipal and county government offices are closed, including courts in Independence, Olathe, and Raytown, as well as the Unified Government of Kansas City, Kansas, and Wyandotte County offices. State offices in Shawnee County are also closed Tuesday.
Where can I find the most up-to-date information on closures?
Local news outlets like the Kansas City Star are continuously updating their lists. It’s also recommended to check the official websites or social media channels of specific schools, businesses, or organizations for the latest announcements. You can send additional closure information to tips@kcstar.com.
Are there any major attractions open in KC?
The article primarily lists closures due to the severe weather. The Blue Line in the River Market was noted as one of the few establishments open on Sunday, January 5, 2025. It is safest to assume most non-essential attractions are closed or have adjusted hours; verify directly before planning a visit.

With extreme cold persisting and road conditions remaining challenging, prioritize safety: limit travel to essential trips, dress warmly, and stay informed through official channels for the most current updates before venturing out.

KC Blizzard Forces Widespread Closures For Safety