Weather News

School’s out for snow: FCPS, other districts announce third NTI day due to weather

Citing “ongoing extreme wintry conditions,” Fayette County Public Schools officials said there will be no in-person classes Wednesday, Jan. 28.

It will be the third straight day of virtual learning for FCPS students as Lexington digs out from more than 5 inches of snow and ice dumped by Winter Storm Fern over the weekend. In lieu of in-person classes, students will have a non-traditional instruction day.

District spokesperson Miranda Scully said Tuesday a decision on whether or not there will be after-school activities Wednesday would be announced by noon that day.

The University of Kentucky also announced it would be closed Wednesday, with no in-person classes for the third day this week. UK HealthCare will remain open.

Traffic moves down Lexington’s Chinoe Drive, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, as Winter Storm Fern started to bring heavy snowfall and sleet across Lexington and Central Kentucky.
Traffic moves down Lexington’s Chinoe Drive Jan. 24, 2026, as Winter Storm Fern starts to bring heavy snowfall and sleet across Lexington and Central Kentucky. Brian Simms bsimms@herald-leader.com

Wednesday will be the third NTI of the school year for FCPS, though the district has had traditional snow days this academic year.

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton has extended the city’s state of emergency through at least Wednesday, and road conditions remained hazardous Tuesday morning.

At a news conference Tuesday morning, Gov. Andy Beshear said Wednesday “will still be dangerously cold, and you can still encounter ice on any roadway.”

Fayette County is not the only district to cancel Wednesday classes for public school students. Bourbon, Harrison, Jessamine, Lee and Rowan counties are among those who have already announced schools will be closed.

This story was originally published January 27, 2026 at 12:33 PM.

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Valarie Honeycutt Spears
Lexington Herald-Leader
Staff writer Valarie Honeycutt Spears covers K-12 education, social issues and other topics. She is a Lexington native with southeastern Kentucky roots.  Support my work with a digital subscription
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