A powerful winter storm will keep New York City public school buildings closed on Monday, but for hundreds of thousands of students, the school day will continue online.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Sunday that elementary school students will switch to remote learning as Winter Storm Fern brings heavy snow and dangerous travel conditions to the city. The move affects nearly 500,000 students across about 1,100 public schools.
Elementary school students will attend classes remotely from home, logging in on laptops and tablets, while high school students and some middle school students will have the day off due to a previously scheduled professional learning day for teachers.
Mamdani said the decision was taken to keep families safe while ensuring that schools meet New York State’s requirement of 180 instructional days per academic year.
“As snowfall begins to blanket our city and conditions become hazardous, closing school buildings is a necessary step to keep New Yorkers safe,” the mayor said, adding that remote learning allows instruction to continue without putting students and staff at risk.
The National Weather Service has warned that the storm could bring between 10 and 14 inches of snow in parts of the region, with snowfall rates reaching up to one inch per hour at times. A mix of sleet and snow near coastal areas could also lead to icy roads and hazardous travel.
The announcement marks a shift from earlier guidance on Friday, when city officials had indicated that schools would remain open despite a state of emergency declared by New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
Mayor Mamdani said his administration had prepared for remote instruction, ensuring students had access to devices and educators were ready to teach online. Some school buildings will remain open as warming centers for residents during the storm.
Families have been advised to check official city education channels for updates as weather conditions continue to evolve.
