New Jersey Schools Close Amid Winter Storm Warnings
New Jersey Schools Close Amid Winter Storm Warnings...
Dozens of school districts across New Jersey announced closures Wednesday as a late-winter storm brings heavy snow and hazardous conditions to the region. The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings for most of the state, predicting up to 12 inches of snow in some areas.
Over 150 districts, including Newark Public Schools and Paterson Public Schools, canceled classes as of Tuesday evening. The closures affect hundreds of thousands of students and follow similar disruptions in neighboring states earlier this week.
Local officials cited safety concerns about icy roads and reduced visibility during morning commutes. "We don't take these decisions lightly," said Trenton Superintendent James Earle in a statement. "But student and staff safety must come first."
The storm system moving through the Northeast has already caused travel headaches from Pennsylvania to Maine. New Jersey Transit warned of possible delays on bus and rail lines Wednesday morning.
Parents scrambled to arrange childcare, with many expressing frustration about last-minute notifications. Some districts made calls as late as 10 p.m. Tuesday, while others announced closures the previous afternoon.
This marks the third major weather-related school disruption in New Jersey this winter. The state education department confirmed districts won't need to make up these snow days under existing emergency provisions.
Meteorologists expect the worst conditions between 5 a.m. and noon Wednesday, with snowfall rates reaching 1-2 inches per hour at peak intensity. Power outages remain possible due to wet, heavy snow accumulating on trees and power lines.
Several universities, including Rutgers and Montclair State, also canceled in-person classes. Most plan to shift to remote instruction instead.
The topic is trending nationally as winter weather impacts multiple states simultaneously. Similar school closures were reported Tuesday in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Emergency management officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. Many districts said they would reevaluate conditions Wednesday afternoon regarding Thursday schedules.
