Schools Prepare for Hurricane Helene: Changes Announced

Students securing school supplies.

Schools Announce Changes Due to Hurricane Helene

In the Upstate and Western North Carolina, many school districts have announced significant changes in response to Hurricane Helene, which has recently been confirmed as a hurricane. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding later this week.

Anderson County

In Anderson County, all schools will hold an eLearning day on Friday. Parents can expect communication from their respective districts about any changes regarding after-school activities on Thursday and Friday. For Anderson County School District 5, all after-school activities for these days are canceled and will be rescheduled. On Thursday, students will take home Chromebooks or eLearning packets for preschool.

Oconee and Greenville Counties

Oconee County schools will follow a normal schedule on Thursday but will also switch to an eLearning day on Friday. Greenville County schools will conduct regular classes on Thursday, with all after-school activities canceled, switching to eLearning on Friday.

Spartanburg County

In Spartanburg County, various districts will implement eLearning on Friday as well. Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 have all canceled after-school programs and activities for Thursday and Friday. District 7 will also observe an eLearning day on Friday.

Greenwood and Union Counties

Greenwood School Districts 50 and 52 have announced closures for all schools on Friday due to concerns about severe weather from the storm, making that day an eLearning day. Union County Schools will also observe an eLearning day on Friday.

Limestone University

Limestone University will be closed on Thursday and Friday, with students advised to check their emails for updates from professors.

Safety Precautions

The National Hurricane Center reported that the storm could bring wind gusts between 35 to 50 mph, which might lead to power outages and downed trees. Additionally, heavy rainfall is expected, which raises concerns for widespread flash flooding. High school football games have already been rescheduled due to these weather concerns.

As the storm approaches, school districts are urging families to stay updated with the latest information regarding any changes or safety protocols.