School Closings Across Northeast U.S. After Snow Storm

Schools across the Northeast U.S. closed for a snow day after a record snowstorm hit the region over the Halloween weekend. The school closings were a result of what is reported to be one of the earliest and heaviest snowfalls for the month of October in at least 135 years. 

The snow after the storm, which reportedly went up to 30 inches in some areas, left millions without power and electricity and was reported to have caused the deaths of at least eight people. Emergency was declared in Massachusetts - which was worst hit by the snow - as well as New Jersey, Connecticut, and some parts of New York state.

Several public schools in the Portland and East Hampton areas of Connecticut were reported to be closed for all of Monday. The Worchester Telegraph reported that several schools districts in the area of Worchester, Massachusetts, were closed for all of Monday as well. A large number of schools in northern New Jersey (particularly in the counties of Essex and Morris) and dozens of schools in New York city are closed today.

Over six million people were initially estimated to have been without power after the snowstorm, but the Associated Press reported that the number had dropped below three million by late Sunday as utility companies continued to work to restore power in most areas. Connecticut, which had its power hit by Hurricane Irene as well, was reported to be badly hit again this time.

The heavy snow caused trees to fall and branches to break in the middle of the street, shutting down roads and transportation in some areas. In other areas, electricity lines were grounded, resulting in some sidewalks being deemed unsafe for walking, particularly in Connecticut. One man was killed in Springfield, Massachusetts, after stepping on a live electricity wire that had been downed by the snowstorm.