New Jersey’s education commission is asking school officials across the state to keep schools closed Tuesday in response to the severe weather.

Commissioner Chris Cerf issued a statement Monday afternoon urging school officials to take precautions to ensure student safety.

“In light of the worsening conditions due to Hurricane Sandy, I am strongly encouraging all superintendents and charter schools across the state to cancel school tomorrow,” Cerf said in a statement.

“While we respect that these decisions need to be made at the local level, all indications are that the worst of the storm will be hitting New Jersey this evening and tomorrow, and it is of the utmost importance that we consider the safety of our students, school staff and district personnel at this time,” he said. “Again, the decision remains a local one, but I cannot be any clearer: the effects of the storm are only going to get worse and it is in everyone's best interest for districts and charters to cancel school tomorrow.”