"Portland Metro Schools Brace for Friday Arctic Blast with Early Dismissals and Closures"

Several school districts in Oregon and Washington, including Portland Public Schools, are implementing early dismissals in anticipation of an incoming winter storm bringing potential snow and ice accumulation and dangerous wind chill. Plows are on standby, and officials are urging people to stay home as the storm approaches. The decision to release students early is a precautionary measure to ensure their safety, with memories of last year's February storm prompting districts to err on the side of caution. ODOT advises people to stay off the roads to allow plows to clear them effectively.