Some students return to class Thursday following winter weather

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — With the recent cold spell, snowfall and black ice, many school systems are remaining closed for the remainder of the week. However, some have decided to reopen this Thursday.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) will resume normal school operations on Thursday, January 18. 

However, they still promise to make accommodations to ensure staff, faculty and student safety.

UTC gave this advice for anyone concerned about making it to campus safely:

“Students who are unable to return to campus safely due to their local conditions should inform the faculty members teaching their classes as soon as possible and seek reasonable accommodations. Students will be expected to complete all work within the limits set by the faculty member.

Faculty members who are unable to return to campus safely due to their local conditions should work with their Department Head/School Director as described by the UTC Faculty Handbook.

Staff members who are unable to return to campus safely due to their local conditions should contact their supervisor.”

Though many local school systems are remaining closed, Polk County Schools and Murray County Schools say they will be reopening Thursday as well.

Additionally, Dalton State students returned to class on Wednesday, and Chattanooga State Community College returns on Thursday.

There has been a rollercoaster of weather over the past few weeks, making it difficult for schools to reopen.

Last week, the area faced extremely strong winds, knocking down trees, power lines and more. Schools felt it to be unsafe to send out buses in the high winds.

Not long thereafter, the area started preparing for this week’s winter weather.

Some locals were able to go out and enjoy the snow, while others faced difficulties.

Those difficulties included dangerous road conditions. Icy roads caused drivers to lose control and crash in some instances.

It even resulted in a nearly 50-mile backup on I-24 westbound around Chattanooga on Tuesday. Road conditions also caused several local businesses to shut their doors on Tuesday.

Some businesses, however, opted to reopen on Wednesday.