March 31, 2025

March 2025 Storm Halts Schools Across North America, Emergencies Declared

On the final day of March 2025, nature unleashed its fury across various parts of North America, bringing schools to a grinding halt. From glistening ice-laden roads in Ontario to the rain-soaked streets of Louisiana, and the wind-tossed shores of Atlantic Canada, communities braced against the storm, prioritizing safety over routine. Here's how the storm-swept Monday unfolded across the affected regions.

Central/Eastern Ontario, Canada

As dawn broke over Ontario, residents were met with a world glazed in ice following a ferocious overnight storm. Schools across the region stood empty as districts scrambled to respond to widespread chaos.

Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board promptly shuttered all schools and childcare facilities, sensing the severity of the storm's aftermath.

Peterborough Catholic Board followed suit, halting operations district-wide, including its central administration center.

Further south, the Simcoe County District School Board opted for caution, canceling all classes and pausing before- and after-school programs to keep families safe.

The storm’s wrath was more than just a school disruption. Peterborough, Orillia, and Brock Township each declared a state of emergency. In Orillia, locals described their town as a “war zone,” where toppled trees and downed wires lay strewn across blanketed neighborhoods. Hydro One, bracing for a slow recovery, warned some households might face power outages lasting several days.

South Louisiana, USA

Farther south, the skies darkened over Louisiana as thunderclouds rolled in after a weekend of relentless rainfall. On Monday morning, heavy thunderstorms settled over the state, triggering flash floods that forced officials to act quickly.

In Acadiana, several school districts closed their doors as swampy conditions overtook campuses and roads alike. Baton Rouge, already waterlogged, saw school leaders delay or cancel openings as the downpours intensified during the morning rush.

Emergency responders worked tirelessly, hampered by soggy grounds and rising waters. Many communities were reminded of the delicate balance between inhabited land and the bayou’s edge, as creeks overflowed and drainage systems struggled to cope.

Atlantic Canada

To the east, the storm showed no signs of mercy. In the heart of Atlantic Canada, turbulent weather forced an immediate pause to normal routines.

The Francophone South School District pulled the plug on all in-person learning for the day, acknowledging the risks posed by gale-force winds and slick roadways. Additional closures fanned out across the region, disrupting classes and travel amid growing concern over storm conditions.

Officials across all regions pleaded with citizens to stay off the roads, warning of live wires tangled in debris, tree limbs crashing unpredictably, and roadways rendered impassable by ice or flood. Recovery teams continue to assess the damage, with full restoration and cleanup expected to stretch well into the week.