(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)
Both Escambia and Santa Rosa County school districts have announced schools will be closed on Thursday due to possible inclement weather associated with Hurricane Helene.
Escambia County Public Schools Superintendent Keith Leonard announced shortly before 4:30 that schools and district offices will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. Moments later, Santa Rosa school officials followed, saying they received additional information from the National Weather Service of Mobile including updated wind advisories.
The National Weather Service forecasts severe weather moving through the area on Thursday, with the possibility of high winds that could endanger school bus travel, heavy rains, and significant tornadic activity.
In an abundance of caution, all schools, district offices, and afterschool activities, including indoor and outdoor athletics, have been canceled.
Stay up to date on Helene: Hurricane Helene moves into Gulf of Mexico; could become Cat 2 hurricane Wednesday night
“We anticipate normal district operations will resume on Friday, Sept. 27,” stated Superintendent Keith Leonard. “Of course, we’ll continue to work closely with local emergency operations officials to determine what is safest for our families and staff. We will always err on the side of caution when it comes to the safety of our students and employees”
Santa Rosa County schools also plan to return on Friday.
District officials will continue to monitor weather updates, and members of the community are encouraged to do the same.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Escambia Santa Rosa County schools closed as Hurricane Helene
