Snow Scared: NYC braces for storm

NEW YORK, NY - New York City has closed public schools on Wednesday and is readying plows and salt spreaders ahead of a predicted snowstorm.

Forecasts call for about 8 to 13 inches of snow across the New York metropolitan region. There are about 1.1 million students in the public school system. Snow days are rare. The last two were on March 2, 2009, and Jan. 28, 2004.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the city made the decision early so parents could have time to make alternative plans. He said officials also want to avoid exposing students to the possible blizzard-like conditions forecast for the afternoon. It is easier on families to close school for the day rather than let children leave early, he said.