"Due to deteriorating weather conditions," Southampton School District is dismissing students early on Wednesday as a nor'easter makes its way toward Long Island.
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning starting at 1 p.m. Wednesday, through 4 a.m. Thursday, for all of Suffolk County. Wind gusts could reach up to 60 miles per hour, and with many limbs loose and large tree roots saturated – and many trees near toppling over – from last week's storm, Wednesday's storm is expected to cause further damage as utility crews work to plug back in over 170,000 LIPA customers who still remain without power.
School officials noted the following: "high school and intermediate schools will be dismissed at 12:30 PM and the elementary school will be dismissed at 1:30 PM. Students in all three buildings will be served lunch.
"There will be no afternoon BOCES or Alternative School classes. In addition, all afternoon and evening activities, including athletics, clubs, and meetings will be canceled as well."
Coastal flooding is also possible in areas already suffering from Sandy’s storm surge. The NWS warned of a 3-foot tidal surge and 8-12-foot waves capable of causing even more beach erosion. A Storm Warning is in effect for the waters surrounding the region.