Schools closed in Franklin Square, Elmont

All schools in the Franklin Square, Elmont and Sewanhaka Central High School districts will be closed tomorrow, as a  winter storm warning remains in effect. 

According to the National Weather Service, Elmont could see eight to 14 inches and Franklin Square could see nine to 16 inches of snow by the time the storm ends tomorrow morning.  Blizzard-like conditions are possible, according the service, and flooding is possible in low-lying areas.

"We have not had this much snow  in some time," Franklin Square Superintendent Jared Bloom wrote in an announcement to parents, "and we know that our students are looking forward to a fun day tomorrow."

The students will not have to  attend school remotely in Franklin Square, Elmont or Sewanhaka, and Bloom said district officials will provide more information about making up the day at a later time.  If the Franklin Square school district needs to declare any other snow days later in the school year, however, he said, the district will "utilize remote learning for all students  rather than taking additional days from the spring recess."

The Town of Hempstead’s winter response team made its final preparations earlier today in anticpation of the storm. It boasts 165 plow trucks, more than 40 payloaders, 40 pickup trucks and two tractor trailers. The town has also rented an additional 13 pickup trucks with detachable plows, which will service the entire township.

“The Town of Hempstead stands at the ready to respond to this first major snowstorm of 2020,” said Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin. “We encourage all residents to take this storm seriously. Stock up on basic essentials, make sure your elderly family members and friends have a warm place to stay, and, most importantly, please stay off the roads.

Program cancellations include the Town of Hempstead’s free Covid-19 mobile testing conducted by Northwell Health at Echo Park, which has been canceled on Dec. 17. Northwell has added two new dates — Friday, Dec. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Book an appointment by calling (516) 821-2500. All senior enrichment programs — including transportation, shopping trips, lunch program and Long Island Cares food banks — are cancelled on Dec. 17.