All after-school activities canceled for Princeton Public Schools Jan. 9 due to severe weather forecast

Interim Princeton Superintendent of Schools Kathie Foster sent a letter to families on Monday night informing them that all after-school activities will be canceled for Tuesday, Jan. 9. A delayed opening is possible the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 10 depending on how the storm develops.

“To ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families, we are canceling all after-school activities and all programs that take place in our schools tomorrow, January 9,” Foster wrote.

She added that there will be no late buses on Tuesday and that the YWCA aftercare program will end at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

“We understand that these closures cause inconvenience for many, but with projected flooding and possible power outages, we want everyone home before the worst of the storm occurs,” Foster wrote.

Due to the forecasted storm severity, district officials are considering a 90-minute delayed opening Wednesday. “We will keep you updated and share more information Tuesday afternoon,” Foster wrote.

On Monday, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency in advance of the storm that is likely to bring torrential rains and flooding to the state beginning Tuesday evening. The state of emergency begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Rainfall totaling four inches is possible in some parts of the state. The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a flood watch for the entire state. If you come across flooded roads, turn around. Don’t drive through the water. It is unsafe. Stay at home if you can.

Wind gusts of 60 miles per hour or higher are possible during the storm. Charge your devices ahead of time in case there are power outages due to downed trees and wires.

According to a 9 p.m. update from the National Weather Service Monday, the worst winds and rain will pass through the state between 6 p.m. Tuesday and 2 a.m. Wednesday, but river flooding will last through Wednesday. Some rivers will rise above flood state late Tuesday night, while others will rise about flood state Wednesday night. Rivers are expected to crest on Wednesday and Thursday. The worst coastal flooding will be Tuesday night, but some flooding may persist into Wednesday for some coastal areas.

Check back with Planet Princeton for more storm updates. Send your storm photos and tips about power outages, road closures and more to editorATplanetprincetonDOTcom.