Schools close, dismiss early ahead of severe weather in Deep South
Strong tornadoes, large hail, flooding and damaging winds are all possible during the multiday severe weather outbreak in the South
School systems closed, have early dismissal in Louisiana as severe storms approach
School systems are closed or having early dismissal in Louisiana as severe storms approach Tuesday afternoon/evening.
Schools across the Deep South have decided to remain closed or dismiss students early on Tuesday in advance of a severe weather outbreak sweeping through the region.
Louisiana State University announced Monday that it would close at noon Tuesday due to the severe weather threat.
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In a Facebook post, the university said all classes and activities scheduled after noon would be canceled. Residence halls, on-campus apartments and dining halls would remain open, however.
Mississippi State University said they would transition to remote learning starting at 12:30 p.m. CDT.
All previously scheduled afternoon events at the university will be postponed and rescheduled, according to an announcement from the university.
The East Baton Rouge Parish School System said students would be dismissed early. Students would start to get dismissed at 11:45 a.m., and all after-school activities have been canceled or postponed.
Rather than dismiss early, the Calcasieu Parish School Board decided to keep schools closed on Tuesday. Schools are expected to reopen on Wednesday.
In Jackson, Mississippi, all public schools shifted to virtual learning because of the weather and all after-school activities, programs and athletic events have been canceled.
The Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Public School District announced Tuesday morning that they, too, would be closed for the day. That decision is based on a recommendation from Forrest County Emergency Management.
The threat of severe weather won’t reach Alabama until later in the day, so many districts made the decision to remain open.
However, some districts, like Birmingham City Schools, have canceled all after-school activities.
Tuscaloosa City Schools announced Monday that they were aware of the severe weather threat but were still working to determine if students would be dismissed early.
In a Facebook post, school officials said an announcement would be made later in the day if students would be released.