Upstate Schools Implement Two-Hour Delay Due to Weather

Buses ready for a delayed school start on an icy morning.

News Summary

On January 13, various school districts in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, and nearby counties are starting their day with a two-hour delay due to icy road conditions. The cautionary measure is aimed at ensuring the safety of students and staff, with some areas also facing remote learning days or closures. As winter weather continues to have an impact, local schools are adjusting schedules accordingly, prioritizing safety above all.

Upstate Schools Adjust Schedules for January 13: A Two-Hour Delay

Residents of Greenville, Spartanburg, and surrounding areas are gearing up for a slightly delayed start to their school day on January 13, thanks to winter weather that left roads icy and challenging to navigate. With safety being the priority, numerous school districts have announced a two-hour delay to ensure that students can travel safely.

Greenville County Takes Precautions

In particular, Greenville County Schools will operate on this delay. Buses will hit the road two hours later than usual, avoiding specific routes that are unsafe due to snow and ice buildup. This cautious approach is aimed at keeping students and staff safe while also providing the time needed for the icy conditions to improve.

Spartanburg Schools Follow Suit

Moving over to Spartanburg, several districts are also feeling the impact of the winter weather. Spartanburg One has opted for a two-hour delay due to many secondary roads remaining icy and perilous for travel. Meanwhile, Spartanburg School District Three is making the same adjustment to allow for improved visibility as the sun rises. Other districts in Spartanburg County, including District Six, are operating under the same delay, citing lingering icy patches on neighborhood back roads.

However, it’s not all delays in Spartanburg. Schools in District Four will return to their normal schedules, offering some good news for those ready to dive back into classes after the weekend.

Anderson Districts Join the Delay Trend

Over in Anderson County, all school districts—namely One, Two, Three, and Five—are also delaying their start times by two hours. The new schedule means that early childhood and elementary schools will begin their day at 10 a.m., allowing additional time for roads to clear. Students attending the Anderson Institute of Technology and the Southwood Academy of the Arts will also report to their classes at 10 a.m. sharp.

Surrounding Areas Feel the Chill

But that’s not all! Nearby areas such as Oconee County, Cherokee County, and Pickens County in South Carolina are following suit with the same two-hour delay in place. The icy remnants from the weekend are causing these thoughtful adjustments to ensure everyone’s safety on the roads.

North Carolina Schools React to Weather

Heading North across the state line into Northern Carolina, conditions are just as cautious. Henderson County has declared a remote learning day for January 13, with risks of refreezing playing a critical role in their decision. Meanwhile, Polk County schools will be closed outright due to lingering icy surfaces. Other North Carolina counties—like Jackson, Haywood, Transylvania, Yancey, Rutherford, McDowell, and Swain—are either experiencing remote learning days or complete closures.

Georgia Schools Also Adjust

In Georgia, Franklin County schools have decided to close for the day with staff encouraged to use this time as an optional workday. Hart County, however, will be functioning with a slight delay, similar to their neighboring counties.

Keeping Safety First

All these adjustments are being made for a single reason: safety. As temperatures are expected to rise and help clear up roadways, these school delays allow for a smoother and safer commute for students and staff alike. So, bundle up and enjoy that extra sleep because January 13 is shaping up to be a cozy one!