It is hard to think of snow in the middle of summer, but every school year, schools need to be prepared for the upcoming winter.

When the snow starts falling, it can lead to slippery and hazardous road conditions. Transportation directors in each county travel the roads to make sure they are safe for students. Schools use a variety of resources, like the National Weather Service, local media, and conditions in surrounding counties to decide if they can safely be in session. 

“Dependent upon the travel conditions in the county, he then speaks with the superintendent. They discuss all the factors as to whether or not the buses can make certain routes and be safe,” Teresa Russell, Mercer County Board of Education information specialist, said.

Mercer County schools have extra days built into their school year in case they need to cancel class due to snow.