Schools closed, delayed as winter storm blankets Michigan, Massachusetts, and nearby states

A winter storm in Massachusetts and Michigan is leading to school closings and delays in the these states on Wednesday (local time).

Freezing rain, along with heavy lake-snow effect has made commutes dangerous in the Northeast and Upper Midwest. A number of states are under advisories issued by the National Weather Service (NWS).

In Wisconsin and Michigan, some areas are seeing snow of more than 6 inches.

School closures by state

Wisconsin: Widespread school closures were reported across the state amid blowing snow. Roads in rural areas have also been deemed unsafe.

Michigan: School closures and delays were reported across Michigan. Roads have become slick in the northern and western parts of the state.

Massachusetts: Schools have been delayed in Massachusetts by 2 hours. These areas are experiencing Icy conditions along with low visibility.

Connecticut: The situation is normal in Connecticut, but authorities are monitoring the same. Some delays are expected in hilly areas in the northern side of the state.

Minnesota: While some schools in Minnesota are reopening, others are opting for e-learning. Business activities most districts in the state are resuming after the storm on Tuesday

Storm Goretti in Europe

Not only US states, but Europe is also reeling under an intense winter storm, Goretti, which has led to the death of six individuals so far, five of them being in France.

Air travel has been significantly impacted by the storm. Traffic has also been hit by Goretti, with trucks having to leave the roads in France as the conditions became more threatening.

In the Netherlands, Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam reported that around 600 flights had been grounded on Wednesday as crews were busy in clearing runways and de-icing the planes which were waiting to depart.

Rains have also swollen the Tiber River in Rome, with the overflowing of its banks also muting the Christmas-time celebrations by Pope Leo XIV. St Peter's Square had fewer people than anticipated as the Pope delivered his Epiphany bessing from St Peter's Basilica.

Temperatures have also plummeted in Britain, with snow disrupting rail, road as well as air travel. Thousands of schools have also been closed in England.