Snowstorm chaos in NRW: What rules apply in the event of school failures!

NRW is currently experiencing significant problems due to severe snowfall, especially in the mountain country. On January 9, 2025, a storm decree was put into force, which regulates how severe weather warnings and extreme weather events are handled in North Rhine-Westphalia. According to information from Ruhr24 works closely with the German Weather Service (DWD) to inform the current weather conditions promptly.

weather warnings are issued by the DWD and forwarded to the district governments. Regional coordination groups storm (RKU) then decide on any school closings. In the case of nationwide school closings, the school ministry is consulted. These decisions are communicated to both schools and the media. Parents should be informed about possible school failures in good time, ideally until 6 p.m.

regulations in extreme weather conditions

school management has the option of planning distance lessons when the snow is massive. Teachers are encouraged to start their service at school or to teach them from a different location through distance lessons. In the event that extremely weather -related school absences occur without official school failure, parents can decide for themselves whether the way to school is reasonable. School failures are considered in these cases.

The Ministry of School and Education informs the district governments about the reports and recommendations of the DWD, which also apply in relation to other dangerous weather conditions such as violent heavy rain, severe gusts of wind and extreme thunderstorms. In the event of national storms, the Ministry of School can order a lesson stop in presence, while the pupils have to take part in distance lessons at such a stop.

In addition, schools must ensure that adequate supervision is guaranteed for students who arrive in the school building due to late messages. Substitute and supplementary schools should also be based on the regulations for public schools, such as School Ministry NRW

teachers are obliged to start their service, insofar as the weather conditions allow. Open all -day schools (OGS) must be informed about the school measures.