Weather Alert: Tropical Storm Helene Causes School Closures in Georgia and South Carolina

Weather Watch: School Closures Across the CSRA

Good morning, Martinez! As we settle into October, we’ve got an important weather update that has led to several school closures and schedule adjustments in our area. Tropical Storm Helene is making its presence felt, prompting safety measures across districts in Georgia and South Carolina.

Clear Skies? Not Just Yet!

Despite the cloudy skies early this morning, expect partial clearing as the day progresses, with temperatures inching up to a pleasant 83°F. Winds are generally light, providing a nice break in the weather…but stay tuned! With conditions changing, we have some school districts taking proactive measures.

Aiken County Takes Precautions

The Aiken County Public School District has announced the cancellation of all after-school activities scheduled for Thursday, September 26. This means no athletics, arts, or meetings—so make those phone calls to your friends if plans were in place! Students will have an e-learning day on Friday, allowing teachers and staff to work remotely while ensuring learning continues.

Allendale County Adjusts Plans

Leaders in the Allendale County School District are also prioritizing safety, releasing elementary school students early at noon and middle and high school students at 1 p.m. They’ve canceled after-school programs for Thursday and all school activities for Friday, including Homecoming festivities that have been postponed until October 10 and 11.

Augusta Prep Football Shifts

Augusta Preparatory Day School will also be closing on Friday, returning to normal operations on Monday. Their homecoming football game, which was initially set for Friday night, has been moved to Saturday if the field conditions allow. Mark your calendars for October 11 for the rescheduled game against Edmund Burke Academy!

Columbia County Schools Shut Down

In Columbia County, school officials have decided to close all schools and facilities on Friday. Although the weather is expected to improve, they are taking every precautionary step. High school football games will still happen as planned unless otherwise announced, but all after-school activities are a no-go.

Know Your School Status

Here’s a quick recap of some other district closures:

• Burke County: No after-school activities and closed Friday.
• Richmond County: Regular schedule Thursday but e-learning on Friday with cancelled after-school programs.
• Lincoln County: After-school activities are cancelled Thursday with closure on Friday.
• McCormick County: Early dismissal Thursday and e-learning Friday.
• Jenkins County: Closed Friday with plans for a football game if conditions allow.

Plan Ahead

As we navigate through the impacts of this tropical storm, it’s vital to stay informed about your child’s school schedule. Parents, make sure to keep an eye on any updates from your districts regarding changes to both learning methods and athletic events. With the storm’s progression, things may still shift.

Final Thoughts

While the weather might be unsteady now, we look forward to clearer days ahead in October. We’ll keep you updated on any further changes and school closures across the CSRA. Stay safe, stay informed, and enjoy the rest of your day!