Breaking: A fast-building winter storm is closing classrooms across the New York City tri-state on Monday. I can confirm NYC public schools will pivot to remote instruction for the day as snow bands set up overnight. Major districts across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are announcing closures or delays. Plan now for a slick and slow Monday commute, even if you are only commuting to the kitchen table.
What this storm is doing, and why it is so intense
A coastal low is pulling Atlantic moisture into subfreezing air over the metro area. That means heavy, wet snow for many inland communities. Expect the strongest snowfall from pre-dawn through late morning. Rates may briefly hit 1 to 2 inches per hour north and west of the city. Winds will gust 25 to 35 miles per hour, which will reduce visibility on open roads. Coastal neighborhoods could see a mix that cuts totals, but slush will still freeze fast at night.
This setup fits a pattern we know well. Warmer ocean waters load the air with moisture. When a cold pocket slides in at the right time, the sky flips that moisture into intense snow. Climate change does not stop winter. It makes the wet part of winter more extreme. Storms carry more water, and when it is cold enough, that becomes more snow in short bursts. That is exactly what we are seeing today.
Monday closures, and how to verify your district fast
NYC’s remote day is set. Beyond the five boroughs, decisions vary by district. Some will go fully remote. Others will take a classic snow day. Many will delay. Do not guess.
- Go straight to your district website or mobile app. Look for an alert banner on the home page.
- Check your district text or robocall system. Make sure your contact info is current tonight.
- Tune to local TV or radio closure lists in the early morning, usually starting by 5 a.m.
- Watch city and county transit alerts, bus depot updates, and special education transportation notices.
Save your district’s closure page as a phone bookmark, and keep devices charged. If you have backup child care, confirm it now.
If you do not see your district listed yet, wait for the official post. Many superintendents make the final call late Sunday or very early Monday.
What NYC’s remote day means for families
Classes will meet online, and attendance policies will apply. Teachers will share links on the same platforms your school uses each week. Expect shortened schedules and a focus on core subjects. Special education services may shift to virtual, when possible. If your power or internet drops, report it to your school when you can. Most schools have guidance for that.
Set up a quiet space tonight. Charge laptops and hotspots. Print or write down class times and passwords. Keep a simple plan for breaks, snacks, and movement. Kids learn better when they get a few minutes to reset between screens.
The snow day debate in a warming world
Snow days used to be simple. The storm hits, the bus does not roll, kids unplug. Now, remote tools keep school going. That can protect learning time, which matters. It can also add strain for families without stable broadband or backup care. There is a climate layer too. As oceans warm, we see bigger moisture feeds into winter storms. That can mean fewer snow days some winters, and more disruptive ones when cold snaps line up.
There are tradeoffs for the planet as well. Fewer bus trips cut emissions for a day. More home heating during daylight can raise energy use. The best path is flexibility. Districts can plan a mix of true snow days and remote days, based on storm risk, power stability, and student needs.
Safety and sustainability on the street
Roads will be slick, and plows will work through the morning. Limit driving if you can. If you must travel, leave early, slow down, and give plows space. Public transit will run on weather plans, so expect delays.
Use salt carefully. A little goes a long way, and excess salt harms rivers and pets. Shovel early while the snow is light. Clear storm drains and fire hydrants near your home. Check on neighbors who may need help. 🧤
Travel will be hazardous in heavy bands. Watch for blowing snow, downed branches, and icy sidewalks. Never run a generator indoors, and keep space heaters three feet from anything that can burn.
- Shovel walks before compaction, it reduces how much salt you need
- Spread salt thinly, then let it work, do not pile it
- Keep curb cuts and bus stops clear for walkers
- Store snow away from drains to prevent street flooding during the melt
The bottom line
School is not business as usual on Monday. NYC will teach remotely. Many districts around the region will close or delay. The storm’s punch comes from a warm, moisture-rich ocean meeting a fresh shot of cold air. That mix is our new winter reality, and it brings both risk and lessons. Verify your district tonight, set up your home plan, and stay off slick roads if you can. I will continue to track the bands and update closure calls as they post. Stay safe, stay warm, and take care of each other. ❄️
