As a child, waking up to discover that school had been canceled was always a thrilling surprise, though perhaps not as welcome for parents.
Students in several US states received an early holiday treat on Monday (December 1), as closures and delays were implemented nationwide.
Today, a large number of schools in New York, Michigan, Iowa, and Missouri have announced closures, delays, or altered schedules.
This primarily affects rural districts where road conditions are particularly hazardous.
According to the Economic Times, Iowa State University, Drake University, and the University of Northern Iowa have canceled all classes for Monday, although campuses remain operational for essential services.
The widespread school closures are attributed to a heavy snowstorm and a swiftly moving weather system that is impacting both the Midwest and East Coast simultaneously.
The dangerous combination of snowy and icy roads makes commuting exceedingly risky.
This comes as a Nor’easter is expected to hit New York City early Tuesday morning (December 2).
A Nor’easter is a type of coastal storm originating along the Atlantic Ocean, characterized by strong northeast winds blowing toward the coast during the storm.
Meteorologists have forecast that the storm will bring up to 16 hours of uninterrupted rain or snow.
Predictions indicate the storm will arrive in New York City around 6am, delivering a mix of rain and snow that could create hazardous road conditions for those commuting after the holiday weekend.
Similar conditions are anticipated for cities throughout the region, including Baltimore, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Boston, as reported by the New York Post.
In northern New Jersey, parts of the lower Hudson Valley, and sections of Connecticut, snowfall could accumulate up to three inches.
Further north, areas from Albany to Bangor, Maine, might experience snowfall totals reaching up to eight inches.