‘Complicated’ weather forecast causes Norwalk school closures, official says

“The meteorologist reported on the expected morning timing of snow and freezing rain, as well as the potential for flash freezing conditions during travel times.”

Brenda Wilcox Williams, Norwalk Public Schools spokesperson

NORWALK — With about an inch of snow expected to fall in Connecticut Thursday morning, Norwalk Public Schools announced early in the morning all district schools and offices would close.

Despite the low accumulation in the forecast, a district spokesperson cited a “complicated” weather system that prompted the decision to close.

“Along with other school districts in our area, we consulted early this morning with our weather service,” Brenda Wilcox Williams, the schools spokesperson, said in an email. “The meteorologist reported on the expected morning timing of snow and freezing rain, as well as the potential for flash freezing conditions during travel times.”

The explanation for the closure came after schools were caught off-guard earlier this month by a freezing rain storm that led to hundreds of police calls across the state. That event prompted an apology on social media by district Superintendent Alexandra Estrella for not issuing a delayed opening for schools.

Rain fell early in the morning on Thursday and transitioned to snow prior to around 8 a.m. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for lower parts of

Connecticut, saying up to 2 inches of snow could fall, resulting in slippery road conditions.

“The advisory has been issued due to the potential high impact of snow falling during the morning rush hour,” the agency said in a bulletin early Thursday.

School officials alerted parents Wednesday evening that the winter weather could impact learning on Thursday. In a tweet just before 6:30 p.m., the district said the weather event had the “potential for snow & flash freezing,” but it was too early to make a call.

District officials said the decision to close was also made after consulting with the city public works department and school facilities crew about the road conditions.

Several other districts made a similar call early Thursday, announcing closures or delays.