Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools closed all schools early on Friday due to the impending winter weather.

All schools were released two hours earlier than normal, and all afternoon bus routes operated two hours earlier.

"Ensuring the safety of our students and staff is our number one priority," officials said in a news release.

All field trips, after-school clubs, athletic practices and games, and all after-school enrichment programs were canceled.  No makeup days for students will be necessary.

Several school districts in the area closed even earlier Friday, with some before 12 p.m.

Some mountain-area school districts closed for the day. 

For a complete listing of school and business closings, click here.