CHERRY TWP — The routine of Moniteau School District students and parents snapped Wednesday morning as icy conditions prompted a last-minute school closure.

Mercer, Lawrence and Butler counties were under a winter weather advisory until 10 a.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh.

Moniteau Superintendent Sean Arney said the call was late because the poor weather conditions developed late in the decision-making process.

“I was on the phone starting at 4:50 a.m. with our contractor for Campbell Bus Co. and other supers in the county,” Arney said.

Arney said conditions looked school-worthy until around 7 a.m., when drivers started reporting worsening road conditions.

“The weather pattern in our area changed,” he said. “The rain started out as mist, and then it just turned to rain.”

Arney said the final cancellation came at a time when a few students were already on buses. They were returned home while many others were still waiting to be picked up.

An automated message was sent to parents around 7:15 a.m., according to multiple parents. The message also apologized for the late notice of the cancellation.

“I was on my way to work, and I had to turn around to send out the Sky Alert and to talk to the media stations,” Arney said. “The timing of the event was really what was difficult.”

Most parents were understanding.

Brad Nicklas, a parent, said he had seen temperature forecast in the 40s for Wednesday and wasn't expecting inclement weather.

“I was surprised to see the school's number come up on my phone,” Nicklas said.

Nicklas said his son usually gets on the bus a few minutes after 7 a.m. He said he got a phone call about the cancellation at about 7:15 a.m.

“I thought it was just kind of a shock that they called 12 minutes after he usually gets on the bus,” Nicklas said.

Nicklas said his family was not too concerned about the mishap.

“It's not a big deal for us because my wife was right there,” he said.

Nicklas said he recognized how the late announcement could have been problematic for some.

“The only concern there is kids whose parents don't get the message today,” he said. “For people that may have a baby sitter who drops the kid off and leaves, those kids are just standing there.”

Nicklas said the late call made more sense after he talked to his son, who said the freezing rain started just shortly before he arrived at the bus stop.

“It had just started to sprinkle a little bit,” he said.

Lindsay Wetzel said she received the call before her daughter got on the bus.

“I did hear that there were issues with ice and buses getting stuck so they then decided to close all buildings,” Wetzel said. “We weren't even on the news for delays or closings until at least 7:30 so it was definitely late notice.”

Wetzel said she blames the strange weather more than she does the district.

“Sure, it was last-minute but I'd of rather them canceled like they did then put our children and teachers etc. in danger,” she said. “The recording for the closing even said that they apologize for the last-minute decision.”

An email from Lance Fox, Moniteau High School principal, canceled Thursday's Principals' Honors and National Honor Society Ceremonies, and rescheduled the event Jan. 31.

“We are making the call to reschedule now to give parents and guardians, who planned to attend the ceremonies, the ability to change their schedules today before the close of the workday,” Fox said.

Arney said he will probably have another early morning monitoring session Thursday, but he usually sides with having school.

“I always look at having school tomorrow,” Arney said.

Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District also canceled school Wednesday because of freezing rain and icy conditions.