Storm Closes Schools Early

A storm hitting the region with heavy rain and high winds knocked out power to 1,800 Connecticut Light & Power customers Thursday, and caused early dismissals at public schools in Monroe, Fairfield and Weston. A flood watch is also in effect.

Monroe Supt. of Schools Colleen Palmer was unavailable for comment, but an authorized representative for the district explained her reasoning for sending students home early.

"The concern is, as the storm continues to intensify, with the ground already soft from the rain, we could have downed trees and power lines," said the representative, who asked that her name be withheld.

Morning kindergarten was dismissed from Fawn Hollow and Stepney elementary schools at 11:15 a.m. and afternoon kindergarten and pre-K were canceled.

Masuk had dismissal at 12:05; Jockey Hollow, Chalk Hill and Monroe Elementary sent students home at 12:45, and Fawn Hollow and Stepney let out at 1:30.

Sports and other afterschool activities are canceled.

Though nearly 2,000 power outages have been reported by CL&P customers throughout the state, company spokesman Mitch Gross said no outages were reported in Monroe so far.

When asked if CL&P expected a heavy workload tonight, Gross replied, "We don't predict, but we're ready."

In correspondance with First Selectman Steve Vavrek, Monroe Emergency Management Dir. David York said he and Police Capt. Michael Flick determined that the Emergency Operation Center does not need to be opened.

They also expressed confidence that the town's emergency services are prepared for almost anything.