Are classes canceled due to bad weather? Here's the latest on Augusta-area schools
The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday with southwest winds 15-25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected with higher winds possible within a passing line of showers and storms.
This has local schools on alert. Here's what we know:
Aiken County school district said on its website the wind speed forecasts exceed the threshold allowed for school buses, so students will shift to distance learning on Wednesday. Employees should plan to report to their work location on a two-hour delayed start, with no building or office opening before 10 a.m.
Afterschool extracurricular practices, games, and events will continue tomorrow as scheduled. There will be no QuestZone.
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Aiken Technical College said via Facebook they are closely monitoring local weather forecasts. As of Tuesday evening, the college had planned to continue with normal operations, including regularly scheduled classes and labs.
Community members are encouraged to follow the guidance of their local emergency management officials regarding travel on Wednesday. Those who cannot safely travel to or from campus should communicate with their instructor (for students) or supervisor (for employees) as soon as possible.
No information has been released on what, if anything, is changing at Augusta Tech.
No information has been released on what, if anything, is changing at Augusta University.
No information has been released on what, if anything, is changing at Burke County schools.
No information has been released on what, if anything, is changing at Columbia County schools.
Richmond County School System noted on its website that, due to high winds creating unsafe driving conditions, Wednesday is a distance learning day. All extracurricular activities are canceled.
Teachers will communicate with students and families through platforms like Remind or Class Dojo, and assignments will be available in Canvas or SeeSaw for younger students. Student assignments should be turned in to their teachers no later than midnight on Monday, March 10.
The school district tentatively plans to resume normal operations on Thursday but is closely monitoring the weather.
No information has been released on what, if anything, is changing at USC Aiken.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X and Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta-area schools open, closed ahead of windy weather Wednesday
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