Posted Friday, November 4, 2011 --- 7:40 a.m.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- School districts throughout the Northeast and especially in hard-hit Connecticut that lost snow days to the remnants of Hurricane Irene in August now are losing days this week, too, because of snow-related power outages and tree damage.

About 589,000 homes and businesses in the region -- more than half of them in Connecticut -- were still without power late Thursday.

The number of lost school days is forcing some districts to consider trimming their winter or spring vacations to ensure school doesn't stretch beyond June.

The snow days have come as many districts were wrapping up their marking periods and compiling report cards; as several sports were heading into state and regional tournaments; and as many students faced a Nov. 1 deadline for early admission consideration in certain colleges.

Copyright 2011. The Associated Press.