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NYC Schools Closed Next Week Due to Historic Winter Storm 'Zeus'

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 21:02 GMT by WPIX New York City, NY
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 14th, 2026 - New York City public schools will remain closed for the entirety of next week, from February 15th to 18th, as the city prepares for the arrival of a potentially historic winter storm, dubbed 'Zeus' by meteorologists. The decision, announced today by Mayor Eric Adams, impacts over 1.1 million students - a figure reflecting the continued growth of the city's school-aged population - and effectively shuts down the largest public school system in the United States.

Unlike closures seen during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, this shutdown will not be accompanied by a shift to remote learning. Mayor Adams reaffirmed this stance in a press conference this morning, stating, "While we continuously assess technological capabilities, the current infrastructure and equitable access to devices and reliable internet connectivity do not allow for a successful and inclusive remote learning experience for all our students. The focus must be on safety, and that means keeping students and staff off the roads and out of potentially dangerous conditions."

The National Weather Service has upgraded its winter storm watch to a warning, predicting snowfall totals of 18-24 inches across the five boroughs. However, the primary concern isn't solely the accumulation of snow, but the accompanying conditions. Blizzard conditions, with sustained winds exceeding 40 mph and near-zero visibility, are expected to develop late Sunday and persist throughout Monday and Tuesday. The combination of heavy snowfall and high winds presents a significant hazard for travel and could lead to widespread power outages.

The decision to close schools for an extended period wasn't taken lightly, according to Schools Chancellor Dr. Maria Hernandez. "We understand the disruption this causes for families, particularly those who rely on schools for childcare and meals. However, the projected severity of this storm and the potential for dangerous travel conditions left us with no other responsible option. We have been working closely with the Department of Emergency Management to ensure that resources are available to support families in need."

Beyond the immediate impact on students and families, the school closures raise logistical challenges. Over 1,800 public schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools, will be shuttered. This necessitates the cancellation of all after-school activities, sports practices, and scheduled events. The Department of Education is also coordinating with community organizations to provide emergency food distribution and warming centers for families who may be affected by the storm.

This storm arrives at a critical point in the academic calendar. Midterm exams are scheduled to begin the following week, and educators express concern about potential learning loss resulting from the extended break. While the DOE has not announced plans for make-up days, they indicated that they are exploring options to mitigate the impact on student learning. Some teachers are proactively preparing digital resources that students can access independently, though, again, equitable access remains a key issue.

Looking forward, this storm is prompting a renewed discussion about the city's preparedness for extreme weather events. Critics point to the inadequacy of snow removal infrastructure and the lack of comprehensive emergency plans for school closures. Calls for increased investment in school facilities to withstand severe weather - including upgraded heating systems and backup power generators - are gaining momentum. The city council has already scheduled a hearing next month to review the Department of Education's emergency preparedness protocols. The scale of 'Zeus' may force a reevaluation of existing strategies and a commitment to building a more resilient school system for the future.

The city is urging residents to stock up on essential supplies, including food, water, medications, and flashlights. Travel is strongly discouraged during the peak of the storm, and residents are advised to stay home and remain safe. Regular updates will be provided by the Mayor's Office and the National Weather Service.