As temperatures were predicted to drop to 12 degrees Wednesday night and rise to only 25 degrees Thursday, Suffolk Public Schools was preparing for the freezing temperatures.

According to district spokeswoman Bethanne Bradshaw, school bus drivers were instructed to report to their buses for duty 15 minutes early Thursday and Friday mornings, and transportation mechanics were also told to report early both days.

Heat in all school buildings was to remain on normal daytime settings overnight Wednesday and Thursday, instead of automatically dialing back for the evening hours, Bradshaw added.

She also reported mobile classrooms with plumbing would be dripping water to prevent frozen pipes, and recess and other outside activities were to be moved inside if needed for the health and safety of students.

“School Messenger automated calling system will be used to inform parents of any late buses, as usual,” Bradshaw stated.

Though no precipitation was anticipated to impact roads, parents were reminded that under district policy, schools could be opened on a one-hour or two-hour delay due to inclement weather, hazardous conditions, power outages or emergency situations.

Any such move would be broadcast to parents as soon as possible using the messenger system, Facebook and www.spsk12.net.

Blustery conditions accompanying the arctic front were to make conditions even colder than the predicted base temperatures, with an advisory of wind chill values between zero and -3 from after midnight Wednesday through early Thursday morning.

Frostbite and hypothermia were possible without the necessary precautions, the National Weather Service warned.

Folks were urged to bundle up, including a hat and gloves, while gusty winds held risks of causing power outages.