The threat from the storm prompted several communities to cancel classes.
UPDATED at 6:30 p.m. – Most school systems, including Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke will be closed Monday because of the threat from Hurricane Sandy.
Ludlow Superintendent of Schools Todd Gazda cited the state of emergency declared in Massachusetts. He urged residents to stay safe.
The heaviest rain and high winds are expected to be between 2 and 8 p.m. With children walking home and taking buses at that time, Springfield officials felt it just wasn't safe, said Robert Hassett, emergency management director for Springfield.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said city officials will likely decide late Monday or even early Tuesday if classes will be held on Tuesday.
Other communities calling off classes include:
Agawam, Belchertown, Chicopee, Cathedral High School, East Longmeadow, Easthampton, Enfield, Frontier Regional School District, Gill-Montague Regeional School District, Greenfield Community College, Granby, Hadley, Hatfield, Hampshire Regional School District, Holyoke, Holyoke Community College, Longmeadow, Mohawk Trail Regional School District, Monson, Northampton, North Brookfield, Palmer, Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter, Quaboag Regional School District, Somers, Springfield Technical Community College, Southwick-Tolland-Granville schools, Tantasqua Regional School District, UMass-Amherst, Valley West, Ware, Westfield State University, Westfield, West Springfield, Wilbraham, and the Willie Ross School For the Deaf.