Atlanta, DeKalb, Fulton and Decatur schools closed Monday
This story has been updated.
Atlanta Public Schools, DeKalb County Schools, Fulton County Schools and City Schools of Decatur have cancelled classes for Monday as Georgia awaits the arrival of a tropical storm.
Atlanta will assess the situation before cancelling on Tuesday, but the other school districts are closed Monday and Tuesday.
Hurricane Irma is currently working its way through Florida and is expected to hit Atlanta late Sunday and early Monday. The city of Atlanta and surrounding counties are now under a tropical storm warning.
Atlanta School Board member Matt Westmoreland confirmed the news via Facebook.
“Atlanta Public Schools will be closed Monday,” he said. “The District will make a decision tomorrow about Tuesday after a review of downed trees and power outages.”
In a press release DeKalb County Schools said, “Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of its students and employees, the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) will close all schools and offices on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, and Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, due to potential inclement weather caused by Hurricane Irma. DCSD employees are not to report to work. The Board of Education meeting scheduled for Monday, Sept. 11, is also cancelled.”
Fulton County Schools issued the following message to parents:
Due to the anticipated impacts of Hurricane Irma, Fulton County Schools is closing all schools and administrative offices on Monday, September 11, and for all schools on Tuesday, September 12. Employees who work on the 235-day schedule should stay tuned for updates for how they should proceed for Tuesday.
Information received from numerous weather sources indicate that high winds and heavy rain are expected to cause conditions that could be dangerous for school buses and other drivers. There is also the possibilty of power outages and downed trees that could impact the ability to reach school buildings safely. The safety and security of our students and staff are our highest priority, and out of an abundance of caution, classes are being cancelled for Monday and Tuesday.
Superintendent Jeff Rose made the decision based upon recommendations of the FCS Weather Team, which represents staff from departments such as safety and security, transportation, facilities, academics, athletics, and communications. During weather emergency situations, members of the team are in regular communications with the National Weather Service in Peachtree City as well as other emergency management and public safety agencies. Staff use national standards regarding forecasted sustained winds and other factors such as potential impact to transportation systems, facilities, and utilities in making a recommendation to the Superintendent.
City Schools of Decatur will be closed Monday and Tuesday. In a statement to parents, the school district said, “Due to the Tropical Storm Warning issued for our area and the forecast for dangerous winds and heavy rain, City Schools of Decatur will be closed on Monday, September 11, 2017, and Tuesday, September 12, 2017. All scheduled after school activities and events are canceled Monday, September 11, 2017, and Tuesday, September 12, 2017. The Board of Education meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 12 will be rescheduled. Please take precautions to stay safe during this severe weather event.”
Emory University is also closed. The university published the following message on Facebook:
Emory University will be closed Monday, Sept. 11, due to severe weather conditions related to Hurricane Irma. Based on the current track of the storm; heavy rain, destructive winds, flash flooding, and tornadoes appear likely. This closing applies only to the University. Emory Healthcare employees should refer to the EHC intranet, www.ourehc.org, and emails from Emory Healthcare for information on operations and procedures. Make a plan now. Know where to seek shelter, know what to do during a weather emergency, stay weather aware.
On Sunday, Gov. Nathan Deal expanded the state of emergency to include all Georgia counties.
