On February 25, 2026, the Northeast woke up to yet another round of winter disruption, as schools across Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York’s Hudson Valley announced a patchwork of closures and delays in response to ongoing snowstorms and the lingering aftermath of a historic blizzard. The region, already battered by record snowfall earlier in the week, braced for an additional 1 to 3 inches of accumulation—enough to make morning commutes treacherous and force administrators into difficult decisions about student safety and remote learning.
According to CT Insider, Connecticut faced a “clipper system” bringing fresh snow just two days after a blizzard dumped up to two feet in parts of the state. In North Stonington, 30.8 inches were recorded, and Plainfield wasn’t far behind with 27 inches. This storm marked the first official blizzard in Connecticut since 2018, closing schools, knocking out power for thousands, and leaving many communities scrambling to clear roads and parking lots. As of Tuesday afternoon, the parking lot at Osborn Hill School in Fairfield remained mostly unplowed—a stark reminder of the storm’s lingering impact.
The National Weather Service warned that the new snowfall, beginning by daybreak and continuing until around noon, would likely make roads slippery for the morning commute. As a result, an extensive list of school closures was announced for Wednesday, February 25. Districts from Ansonia to Woodstock, including major cities like Bridgeport, New Haven, and Waterbury, opted to keep their doors shut. Others, such as Regional School District 16, announced two-hour delays, giving crews precious extra time to clear streets and school grounds.
Across the border in New Jersey, the story was much the same. After a “crippling blizzard,” as described by NJ.com, left the state digging out from deep drifts, forecasters predicted another 1 to 3 inches of snow Tuesday night. In response, schools throughout the state announced a mix of delayed openings and outright closures for February 25. The uncertainty didn’t end there: meteorologists cautioned that another round of snow was possible Thursday night into Friday, though the exact timing and track remained up in the air.
“Snow showers are expected statewide tonight that may affect the Wednesday morning commute. Northwest Jersey could see a few inches,” the New Jersey Department of Transportation posted on X (formerly Twitter) on February 24. The message echoed the concerns of parents and officials alike, who worried about the safety of students and staff navigating icy, snow-covered roads before dawn.
North Jersey, in particular, saw a significant number of delayed openings. According to NorthJersey.com, districts such as Bloomfield, Boonton, Caldwell-West, Chatham, Clifton, Montclair, Parsippany-Troy Hills, and West Orange were among dozens opting to start the school day later than usual. The list was long and growing, with officials urging families to check their local district’s website or social media for the latest updates. Some schools, like County College of Morris and Southern Connecticut State University, also adjusted their schedules, underscoring the widespread impact across all levels of education.
New York’s Hudson Valley and Northern Dutchess regions were not spared. As reported by the Daily Freeman, Ulster County and surrounding areas saw a mix of closures and delays on February 25. Ellenville, Hyde Park, Kingston, Pine Plains, and Saugerties closed their schools entirely, with Saugerties pivoting to remote learning. Highland, Onteora, Red Hook, and Wallkill instituted three-hour delays, while Marlboro, New Paltz, and Rhinebeck opted for two-hour delays. Rondout announced remote instruction with a two-hour delay, reflecting the new normal of flexible learning plans in the face of severe weather.
For many districts, the decision to close or delay was not taken lightly. The Blizzard of 2026—already being called one of the most disruptive in recent memory—forced school leaders to weigh the risks of hazardous travel against the challenges of remote instruction or missed classroom time. In Connecticut, where some towns saw blizzard conditions for the first time in eight years, the sheer volume of snow made it impossible for crews to clear all roads and parking lots before students would need to arrive. With additional snow falling just as recovery was underway, caution won out over routine.
Parents across the region found themselves scrambling once again to adjust. Some had to arrange last-minute childcare or work from home, while others navigated the challenges of remote learning—an option more familiar since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic but still fraught with its own hurdles. For students, the prospect of another snow day was met with a mix of excitement and frustration. While some relished the unexpected break or the novelty of remote classes, others worried about falling behind in their studies or missing out on important extracurriculars.
The economic impact was also felt keenly. School bus companies, cafeteria workers, and local businesses that rely on school traffic saw another interruption to their routines. Meanwhile, municipal budgets strained under the weight of overtime for snow removal crews and the cost of salt and fuel. In many towns, the sight of snowplows working around the clock became a familiar one, as did the sound of weather alerts pinging on cell phones.
Looking ahead, the uncertainty loomed large. Forecasters’ warnings of another potential storm later in the week kept everyone on edge. Would the next system bring more snow days, or would warming temperatures finally offer a respite? For now, administrators, parents, and students alike watched the skies—and their inboxes—hoping for clearer roads and a return to normalcy.
In the meantime, communities across Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York’s Hudson Valley continued to demonstrate resilience and adaptability. Whether through remote learning, creative childcare arrangements, or good old-fashioned neighborly help with shoveling, the region showed that even in the face of relentless winter weather, it could weather the storm—together.
As the snow tapered off around noon on February 25, the question on everyone’s mind remained: when will winter finally loosen its grip? Until then, school officials and families remain vigilant, ready to adapt as the next forecast rolls in.