Full Breakdown
High Winds Disrupt Schools and Power in Northern New York
3/17/2026, 3:56:19 AM
Impact of High Winds on Schools and Power Outages
On Monday morning, March 16, 2026, high winds in Northern New York led to significant disruptions, prompting several schools to delay their openings. South Jefferson Central School announced a two-hour delay shortly after 5 AM, which included the cancellation of morning pre-kindergarten and AM BOCES classes. Watertown, a city with a considerable number of students who walk to school, followed suit with a similar two-hour delay. Other schools in the region also adjusted their schedules in response to the severe weather conditions.
The high winds not only affected educational institutions but also caused widespread power outages. According to National Grid's outage map at 5:15 AM, hundreds of customers experienced power loss, with outages reported from lower Jefferson County extending to the Gouverneur area. By 9 AM, the situation improved, with the number of customers without service dropping to under 500.
Weather Conditions and Warnings
Meteorologist Kris Hudson from 7 News reported that the high winds were responsible for downed trees and power lines across the region. The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for Jefferson and Lewis counties, effective until 8 PM on the same day. The most severe conditions were expected in the morning, with wind gusts reaching up to 60 miles per hour.
Official Statements & Responses
Local officials and school administrators expressed concern for student safety due to the hazardous weather conditions. The decision to delay school openings was made to ensure that students could travel safely to their respective schools.
Criticism & Opposition
While the delays were generally viewed as necessary for safety, some parents expressed frustration over the disruptions to their schedules. Concerns were raised about the impact on working parents who rely on consistent school hours.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There were no conflicting reports regarding the high winds and their immediate effects on schools and power outages. However, details about the specific number of schools affected and the total duration of power outages were not fully disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
In summary, the high winds on March 16, 2026, led to school delays and power outages across Northern New York, prompting local officials to prioritize safety in their responses.
