California winter storm cancels classes at these three North State campuses

North State colleges announced they will cancel some classes and close facilities on Thursday due to snowy hazardous roads, and in some cases, power outages.

College representatives made public schools' plans to close some or all facilities on Thursday afternoon after several straight hours of snowfall in parts of Shasta and Siskiyou counties. Roads, including parts of Interstate 5, are closed or require chain controls, blocking some commuting students' access to campuses.

"Snow has been falling steadily for several hours and is continuing to fall at this time," Shasta College spokesman Peter Griggs said at 4 p.m. "The snow is providing a light covering of campus grounds and walkways, making walking and transportation hazardous.”

Here are colleges that announced closures on Thursday.

Shasta College

Shasta College canceled all in-person classes and closed their offices on Thursday. Closures include Redding's Downtown Health Science, the University Center and Tehama County campuses, according to Griggs.

Online classes are still in session.

School staff plan to reopen and have operations return to normal on Friday, Griggs said.

For more information or emergencies people should call campus safety at 530-242-7910.

College of the Siskiyous

The College of the Siskiyous announced it closed its Weed and Yreka campuses at 2:45 p.m. on Thursday.

The school posted on its website Thursday afternoon the closures were "due to severe weather and power issues at both campuses."

Zoom and online classes are still in session.

As of 4 p.m., the school has not announced when it plans to re-open for in-person classes.

Simpson University

Simpson University is closed for all in-person classes in its day and evening programs, according to the school's Campus Safety Department.

Online classes are still in session.

As of Thursday afternoon, the school plans to go ahead with Friday classes.

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Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories. Follow her on Twitter@RS_JSkropanic and onFacebook. Join Jessica in the Get Out! Nor Cal recreation Facebook group. To support and sustain this work,please subscribe today. Thank you.