Heavy rain, wind prompts early dismissal at York County region schools
Severe weather and heavy rain Thursday prompted several schools in York, Chester and Lancaster County to close early.
A flash flood watch was issued for York, Chester and Lancaster counties, calling for as much as four inches of rain on Thursday, officials said. Heavy winds were also expected throughout the region.
Rock Hill schools will close on a half day schedule Thursday. Elementary schools will dismiss at 11:30 a.m., middle schools at 11:45 a.m. and high schools at 12 p.m.
“Due to a significant weather event with wind gusts expected of 45 miles per hour and sustained winds of 30 miles per hour moving into and through our area during our normal dismissal times, we will be releasing school early today,” reads a statement from the district.
Afternoon four-year-old kindergarten and after school activities in Rock Hill, including athletics and Challenger are also canceled Thursday.
Fort Mill schools will close early due to high rain and wind, according to the district. Elementary schools will dismiss at 11 a.m., middle schools at 11:35 a.m. and high schools at 12:10 a.m.
All after school events in Fort Mill are canceled Thursday.
The York school district is also dismissing early Thursday. Elementary schools and York Intermediate will dismiss at 11 a.m. York Middle, York Comprehensive High and York One Academy will dismiss at 12:15 p.m.
All after school activities in York are also canceled Thursday, including athletics and Boys and Girls Club after-school programs.
The Clover school district will dismiss elementary schools at 11:30 a.m. Thursday. Middle schools and the high school will dismiss at 12:30 p.m.
In Lancaster County, all elementary schools dismissed at 10:30 a.m., according to the school district. Lunch will not be served at any school Thursday.
All Lancaster County middle schools will dismiss at 11:15 a.m. Andrew Jackson, Buford and Lancaster High School will dismiss at 11:35 a.m. Indian Land High School will dismiss at noon Thursday.
All Lancaster County School District offices will close at 1:30 p.m. Thursday.
Chester County School District elementary schools will dismiss at 11:30 a.m., middle schools at 12:15 p.m. and high schools at 12:30 p.m. Lunch will be served at all schools Thursday.
Clinton College in Rock Hill will close at 1 p.m. Thursday.
Winthrop University officials are monitoring conditions. The college is operating on normal hours Thursday.
“During times of inclement weather, our first and foremost concern is for your safety. Please use your personal discretion in judging the safety of traveling to and from the university,” reads a statement sent to the campus community.
This story was originally published February 6, 2020 at 10:44 AM.
