Tompkins schools closing early as foul weather looms

With hazardous weather predicted for the area, some schools and organizations are closing early as weather conditions worsen in the area.

The National Weather Service predicts Tompkins County will see 1 to 2 inches of snow this afternoon followed by sleet and freezing rain measuring a tenth to a quarter of an inch. Wind will be between 10 and 20 mph to the south with gusts up to 35 mph. The combination of ice and wind will make roads hazardous and may cause tree damage and power outages, the NWS warns.

A winter weather advisory is in effect until 7 a.m. Wednesday. Anyone can report snowfall and ice amounts to the weather service by calling toll free at 1-888-603-1402 or by email at bgm.stormreport@noaa.gov.

The following meetings and organizations have made cancellations:

• The Tompkins County Public Library has announced it will close at 4 p.m. due to deteriorating weather conditions.

• City of Ithaca Board of Zoning Appeals meeting planned for this evening has been canceled.

The following schools are closing early or have canceled after-school activities due to inclement weather:

• Ithaca City School District schools will release at their normal time, but after-school and evening activities are canceled and there will be no late bus transportation.

• Tompkins Cortland Community College is closing at 2:30 p.m. at all locations. All classes after 2:30 p.m. are canceled. The cafeteria will remain open until 5 p.m., according to TC3.

• Dryden Central School District has canceled all after school and evening activities in anticipation of snow, freezing rain and sleet.

• Groton Central School District has canceled all after school and evening activities

• Lansing Schools has canceled all after-school and evening activities starting at 3 p.m. After-school childcare is open but parents are asked to come as soon as possible to pick up children. The girls varsity sectional basketball game has been rescheduled to 5:30 p.m Wednesday in Watkins Glen, according to Superintendent Chris Pettograsso. "Good luck!" she added in a tweet.

• Newfield Central School canceled after school activities.

• Trumansburg Central School District canceled all after-school activities. The Trumansburg Afterschool Program will remain open until all students have been picked up.

• Candor Central School announced early dismissal, with the high school closing at 12:30 p.m. and the elementary school at 1:30 p.m.

• Community School of Music and Arts classes and ensembles are canceled this afternoon and evening

•The "Seed Starting for Beginners" class from Cornell Cooperative Extension has been postponed until Monday, March 16 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.