Ahead Of Snowstorm, Port Washington Keeps 'Snow Day' Tradition

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Ahead of an expected snowstorm this week, the head of Port Washington's public school district told parents, teachers and staff to brace for a snow day.

In a message to staff and families Tuesday afternoon, Michael Hynes, superintendent of the Port Washington Union Free School District said he received many questions about what would happen should the area receive a significant amount of snow. Unlike years past, the district could have tried to have students and teachers fully shift to remote learning Thursday, as many schools have been forced to do during the coronavirus era.

But for the many students who became accustomed over the years to waking up early to check if a snow day had been called, Hynes delivered some cheery news.

"If we would need to close on Thursday…we will NOT have a remote day for our students and staff," Hynes said. "Our students deserve to have a day to go outside and play, not be on electronic devices and enjoy the beauty of a snow day. As for our staff, please make sure to do the same!"

As Patch previously reported, a major winter storm is expected to pummel Long Island on Wednesday into Thursday. While the National Weather Service hadn't issued detailed predictions yet, forecasters said "confidence in significant snowfall amounts over 6 inches continues to increase" with the potential for over a foot of snow in some areas.

The hour-by-hour forecast Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning predicts about 13 inches of snow accumulating on the island. The bulk of the snow is expected after sunset Wednesday and before sunrise Thursday.