Children in parts of the northeastern United States stayed home yesterday due to a powerful winter storm that forced school closures and prompted offices and transportation systems to operate on emergency schedules. Officials across the region warned of heavy snowfall, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions. The storm had already disrupted travel along the East Coast from Washington to New England, with airlines canceling thousands of flights and urging residents to stay off the roads. New York City, the country's largest school district, ordered public schools closed due to snow, canceling all remote and after-school programs.
