New York City

Snow day! NYC public schools & CUNY colleges closed on Thursday

Winter storm Niko is on its way

February 9, 2017 By Mary Frost Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Kids took to Squibb Hill in Brooklyn Heights during the last official snow day in 2015. Photo by Mary Frost
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Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina made an early call on Wednesday and declared that all NYC public schools would be closed on Thursday due to the predicted severe snowstorm dubbed Niko.

After-school programs, adult education, YABC programs, and PSAL activities are also cancelled.

In addition, CUNY has announced that all colleges and universities will also be closed on Thursday, along with CUNY central administration and offices.

“It’s going to be a blizzard and New Yorkers should get ready,” the mayor said on WCBS 880.

Response on Twitter to the Department of Education’s announcement was mostly positive, with many commenters praising the city for not waiting until the last minute to decide on closing schools.

“Thank you for keeping kids and students safe,” tweeted Jessica Hartshorn.

Jon Brett agreed. “Thank you for putting safety first! Great choice,” he tweeted.

A writer going by the handle LL Cool E tweeted, “Thank you for making the decision early!”

The typical reaction of students?

“Awesome!”

A small number of commenters, however, implied that New Yorkers were wimps for closing schools down for a “little” snow.

The forecast is for far more than a little. Brooklyn and the other boroughs could receive anywhere from 6 to 10 (and some areas could get as much as 12) inches of snow.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning in effect Thursday from midnight through 6 p.m. This system is forecast to bring heavy snow that will create slick and hazardous travel conditions on Thursday, especially during the morning commute. (More on that here.)

The National Weather Service says travel is “not recommended tomorrow morning due to heavy snow. If you absolutely must venture out, have an emergency kit in your car.”

 

 

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