McHenry County-area school closures, early dismissals Wednesday due to snow forecast

Crystal Lake-based School District 47 announced all of its schools will have an early release Wednesday ahead of the expected snow storm.

Marian Central Catholic High School in Woodstock announced it will close Wednesday and host an e-learning day.

The heaviest snowfall is expected to happen in the afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service. Parts of northern Illinois could see 6 or more inches of snow with a winter storm watch starting early Wednesday

District Superintendent Kathy Hinz released an announcement Tuesday afternoon that all District 47 after-school and evening activities are canceled for Wednesday except for “Extended Time,” which will run on the early release schedule.

District 47 and Marian Central were the first to announce schedule changes due to the weather.

In District 47, students in grades six through eight will be dismissed at 1 p.m., kindergarten through fifth will be end classes at2 p.m. and pre-kindergarten afternoon classes are canceled.

“The decision was based on the projected weather forecast, including timing of the storm and rate of snowfall, which would negatively impact building and roadway conditions, and the ability to travel safely to and from school,” Hinz said in the announcement. “We want to give families as much time as possible to prepare, understanding that this may affect schedules. Thank you for your support as we work to keep everyone safe while minimizing disruptions to learning.”

Algonquin-based District 300 issued a “winter weather watch” Tuesday evening to alert families to the possibility of a cancellation, a switch to e-learning or a change in schedule, but no final decision had been communicated as of 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Harvard District 50 already had an early release planned for Wednesday.

The McHenry County courts are also closed Wednesday because of the Lincoln’s birthday holiday, though the courthouse building in Woodstock is due to be open.

The storm, which could significantly disrupt travel, is expected to affect Carroll, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, La Salle, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Whiteside and Will counties, among others. Snowfall rates could rise to 1 inch per hour, especially during the Wednesday afternoon and evening commute, according to the National Weather Service.