Stranded students, staff spend night at NJ schools

NEW JERSEY (FOX 5 NY) - West Orange Public Schools were closed on Friday after students and staff were stranded at district schools overnight.  Buses were turned back due to a fierce snow storm that hit the area Thursday afternoon into the evening commute.

According to the West Orange Public Schools website, some buses were diverted to the Chit Chat diner for several hours. 

"The following buses were routed to Chit Chat Diner, are eating dinner and will remain at the diner until we are given the all clear by the West Orange Police Department to begin taking them home."

RELATED:  Gov. blames forecasters for storm response

But instead of going to their usual destinations, the students were taken to Roosevelt, Liberty, West Orange High School, Edison, and Redwood schools where they spent the night.

"Elementary, middle, and high school students who remain in the schools have eaten dinner and are safe with familiar teachers and staff."

Overnight, the district announced that buses would be dropping off the students beginning at about 5 a.m.  Several hours later, it was not clear if the students had been returned their homes.