(AP) — Bad weather has delayed plans to open three new schools in Joplin that were built to replace schools damaged by the May 2011 tornado.

Joplin school officials planned to open Irving and Soaring Heights elementary schools and East Middle School on Monday, more than 2 1/2 years after the tornado destroyed or damaged several schools and district buildings. The district called off school Monday because of bitterly cold temperatures.

Superintendent C.J. Huff told The Joplin Globe that the schools probably will open Tuesday but the situation will be evaluated later Monday.

The National Weather Service says temperatures are expected to be between zero and minus 10 throughout the Joplin region Monday morning, with wind chills dropping to minus 25 in some areas.