School closures due to Gulf Coast severe weather (list)
Editor’s Note: The following school systems and campuses provided their information for adjusted hours or closures due to severe weather. If a campus is not listed, please contact your local school for more information.
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — WKRG News 5’s weather team is tracking possible severe weather on Wednesday.
George County Sheriff’s Office searches Lucedale home, arrests 3 people
According to forecasts, Wednesday could bring windy conditions, rough surf, and possible flooding to the region.
In this article, we are tracking school closures ahead of the severe weather threat. Check back for updates.
Gulf Coast School Closures
Baldwin County Public Schools
Baldwin County schools will dismiss at noon on Wednesday, and buses will roll at that time, too, Superintendent Eddie Tyler just announced.
“Dismissing at noon will give our buses plenty of time to drop off students and get our employees back safely,” Tyler said in a letter to parents.
“Along with dismissing at noon, all after-school activities, practices, games, field trips and After School Child Care are all canceled.”
Tyler had one more note: “Lunch will still be provided for those who want it. We know that some students were supposed to be participating in ACAP testing, that too has been rescheduled.”
Bishop State Community College
“Due to the threat of inclement weather, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, will be a virtual learning day for all Bishop State Community College students and faculty and a remote workday for all staff,” a BSCC spokesperson said. “All Bishop State Community College campuses will be closed. Classes are scheduled to resume on Thursday, April 11, 2024.”
Catholic Schools
“All Catholic Schools in Mobile and Baldwin Counties will have a noon dismissal on Wednesday, April 10 due to the threat of severe weather,” the Archdiocese of Mobile said in an email.
Chickasaw City Schools
David Wofford, Superintendent of Chickasaw City Schools, says school will be closed tomorrow due to the threat of severe weather.
Coastal Alabama Community College
“Due to incoming inclement weather, all campuses of Coastal Alabama Community College will close at 12:15 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, April 10,” a CACC news release said.
“Classes and work schedules will resume on Thursday, April 11.”
Clarke County schools
Clarke County Emergency Management shared the following school schedules:
Thomasville Elementary School will dismiss at 11 a.m.
Thomasville Middle and High School will dismiss at 11:15 a.m.
Clarke Prep will dismiss at 11:45 a.m.
Clarke County school system will dismiss beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Jackson Academy daycare will be closed
Cottage Hill Christian Academy
“We have been monitoring the weather forecast carefully this afternoon,” a Cottage Hill Christian Academy spokesperson said. “We understand that changes to our schedule can create a burden for our families, but as always, the safety and security of our Warrior family remain our highest priority.
“After careful consideration, due to the uncertainty regarding tomorrow’s conditions, we have made the decision to cancel school and close the Early Education Center on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Stay safe, Warriors!”
Escambia County Alabama Schools
Escambia County Alabama Schools will release students at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, News 5 has learned.
“The forecast of storms at a level 4 for a portion of Escambia County coupled with a broad window of impact causes concerns for bus travel,” an Escambia County Alabama Schools spokesperson says, “and we must ensure the safety of all of our students.
“All extra-curricular activities including games and practices will be cancelled/rescheduled as well. We encourage all to stay safe and weather aware.”
Escambia County Public Schools (Florida)
Escambia County Public Schools Superintendent Keith Leonard said schools and district offices will be closed and all extra-curricular activities canceled on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, due to possible severe weather threats in the area.
Faith Academy
Faith Academy will be closed Wednesday, April 10, due to severe weather, News 5 has learned.
George County School District
Due to the threat of severe weather, officials with the George County School District have decided to close GCSD schools on Wednesday, April 10.
GCSD campuses will be closed for all students and staff, according to a press release.
Students and staff are scheduled to return on Thursday, April 11, but officials say they will provide updates on the return. Updates will be posted on the George County Schools website, according to the post.
Greene County Schools
Officials with the Greene County School District announced that all Greene County public schools will be closed on Wednesday, April 10 due to the threat of unsafe weather conditions.
For more information on this closure, visit Greene County School District’s website.
Government Street Christian School and Child Development Center
Government Street Christian School and Child Development Center will be closed on Wednesday, April 10, due to dangerous weather conditions, News 5 has learned. Classes will resume as normal on Thursday.
Gulf Shores City Schools
“Gulf Shores City Schools will dismiss early (Wednesday, April 10),” a Facebook post said. “…buses are going to dismiss at 12:00pm and car riders and walkers at 12:15pm. After-care programs and athletic events are cancelled.”
Mobile County Public School System
Mobile public schools will be closed on Wednesday, April 10, News 5 has learned.
“Central office and 12-month employees should report to work in the morning for a half day” (four hours), a letter from Superintendent Chresal D. Threadgill said.
Regarding the schedule change, Threadgill said in the letter, “I do not want to risk having our students, parents, and bus drivers on the road in these conditions.”
Okaloosa County School District
Okaloosa County Schools will close one hour earlier than their normal schedule on Wednesday,
April 10, News 5 has learned.
Check this image for details:
“This decision has been taken after consulting with Patrick Maddox, the Okaloosa County Director of Public Safety,” an OCSD news release states, “and is in the best interest of the safety of students and staff.”
Orange Beach City Schools
Orange Beach City Schools shared their adjusted schedule with parents in an April 10 letter to parents.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we are dismissing the middle/high school at noon and the elementary school at 12:15 PM today, noting that middle/high bus riders may need to arrive home before younger siblings or pick up younger siblings from the elementary school,” the email said.
“All after-school-related activities are canceled, including ‘“’Expect Excellence.’”’ Lunch will be served before departure. We apologize for any inconvenience.”
Prichard Prep
Prichard Preparatory School will be closed Wednesday, April 10, News 5 has learned.
Santa Rosa School District
Santa Rosa School District will release students early on Wednesday, April 10, News 5 has learned.
“Per the National Weather Service, our area is under the threat of an enhanced severe weather event,” the SRSD said in a news release. “… Out of an abundance of caution, Santa Rosa students will have an early release day on Wednesday, April 10th.
“Community Schools Latchkey/After-School Programs and all extracurricular activities, to include practices, games, and events, have been canceled for tomorrow evening. Be sure that you have multiple ways to receive information.”
SRSD expects school to be back in session on Thursday, April 11.
Shelton Academy
News 5 has learned that Shelton Academy will close Wednesday due to threat of Severe Weather
Spring Hill College
“Due to inclement weather, Spring Hill College will conduct remote operations on Wednesday, April 10, 2024,” an SHC Facebook post states. “In-person classes will not meet. Students, please follow faculty instructions for online learning.”
The post states, “cafeteria will operate on a modified schedule. Breakfast will be served from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Students can stop by the cafeteria between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to pick up boxed lunches and dinner. McKinney’s and Einstein’s will be closed.”
St. Paul’s Episcopal School
St. Paul’s Episcopal School will be closed tomorrow due to inclement weather.
“All after-school activities, including athletic practices and games scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, will also be canceled,” a spokesperson tells News 5.
St. Luke’s Episcopal School
St. Luke’s Episcopal School in Mobile will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, April 10, News 5 has learned.
UMS-Wright Preparatory School
“Due to the threat of severe weather in our area, UMS-Wright will be closed tomorrow, April 10,” a Facebook post said. “All after school activities will be canceled as well.
“Please be weather-aware throughout the day tomorrow, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back on campus Thursday.”
University of Mobile
“Due to the possibility of severe weather predicted by the National Weather Service for our area, the University of Mobile will close and classes will be moved online beginning at noon Wednesday, April 10, to ensure the safety of students and employees,” a UM news release states. “Normal dining services will be available to residential students throughout the day. The university will resume normal operations on Thursday, April 11.”
University of South Alabama
“The University will close at 11 a.m. today (April 10), due to expected severe weather arriving in the region midday,” a USA spokesperson said. “The Dining Hall will remain open all day, but all other campus dining options will also close at 11 a.m. Students should check with their instructors regarding missed assignments, etc.
“Students, faculty and staff should make their best decision as to personal safety during a weather event.”
Washington County Schools
“Due to the potential for severe weather tomorrow, April 10, 2024,” the Washington County Schools Facebook page says, “All Washington County Schools will dismiss at 11:15 AM.”
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