How to get notified of school closings in Oregon and Southwest Washington

Even for people without students in their families, school closing announcements can help gauge how prepared the general public should be for extreme winter weather.

Most schools offer alerts through various communication channels, including phone alerts, emails and social media posts. Portland Public Schools, for example, will send direct text messages — to those who have signed up — as well as automated phone calls and emails if school is delayed, canceled or dismissed early, or if buses will be on snow routes. People who don’t already receive PPS alerts can learn more or sign up for them here.

For weather closures, as well as natural disasters and other school emergencies, PPS will also post banners on its website. And the district will post that information on Facebook and X.

Most school districts and in Oregon and Southwest Washington follow similar protocols. More information about the individual districts and schools is available at Oregon and Washington school books.

Related: What you need to know before driving in snow, ice and other slippery conditions

For a broader look at inclement weather closures, including businesses, government offices and events, FlashAlert Newswire covering most of Oregon and southwestern Washington. People can sign up to receive email or push notifications for their regions.

Anyone who does not want to sign up for the service can bookmark and monitor FlashAlert emergency closures in:

Oregon residents can also register via OR-Alert to get local emergency notifications based on zip codes. All live warning messages across the state will also be posted here.

In Washington, residents can sign up for alerts and warnings through Washington Emergency Management Division.

Related: Prepare your home for a winter storm