News Summary
Savannah and nearby towns are grappling with unusual snow and icy road conditions, prompting local schools to shift to remote learning and implement safety measures. Various school districts have announced closures and cancellations of activities to ensure the safety of students, while the city is under a state of emergency. As the situation unfolds, the community is urged to stay informed and safe amidst these challenging winter weather conditions.
Winter Weather Woes Hit Savannah and Surrounding Areas
Winter is showing its teeth in Savannah and nearby towns as residents face unusual snow and icy road conditions. As this rare phenomenon blankets the area, local schools and educational institutions are adapting and making necessary adjustments to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Remote Learning to the Rescue
The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System has announced that remote learning will continue this Friday. The district is taking precautions as they inspect all facilities over the weekend. This includes ensuring that walkways, entrances, and parking lots are cleared for safe access. Students and parents can expect an operational update by Sunday at 3 p.m. With safety being a top priority, all athletic events and practices have been canceled on Friday and Saturday, and rescheduling information will be communicated soon.
Other Local School Changes
Appling County Schools are also feeling the impact, as they have declared a day off for students on Friday. Meanwhile, Bacon County Schools briefly closed on Thursday but will resume normal schedules on Friday, giving families a little relief. The Beaufort County School District has decided to join the ranks of closures, canceling school and e-learning on Friday, along with all extracurricular activities.
Next up, Bethesda Academy switched to e-learning on Wednesday, canceled classes on Thursday, and will determine their next steps for resuming classes soon. Over in Bryan County, schools will close on Friday, and the scheduled House Bill 581 hearing has been pushed back to February 7.
Activity Cancellations Abound
Bulloch Academy has canceled all after-school activities and athletic events on Friday, but students in grades 6-12 can expect virtual assignments to keep them engaged. Unfortunately, Bulloch County Schools are closing their doors for both students and staff on Friday, with plans to reopen on Monday.
Candler County Schools are set to reopen on Friday with all normal bus schedules resuming. However, Children’s Village will be closed this Friday. The College of Coastal Georgia is also adapting, holding online classes while scale down operations through Friday. Colleton County School District closed their doors on Thursday, with all activities canceled during this winter storm.
As Effingham County Schools announce a closure for Friday, they also anticipate reopening on Monday. Evans County Charter School has its own share of difficulties, having closed on Thursday and canceling after-school events, with updates forthcoming. First Christian Academy also joined the ranks of schools that are closed through Thursday.
Higher Ed and Local Operations
Georgia Southern University will resume operations at 10 a.m. on Friday, but online classes will continue as planned. Glynn County Schools remain closed for all students on Friday, while staff are expected to report. The Hampton County School District is also closed on Friday, along with all district events being called off.
On the e-learning front, Jasper County students will have a virtual learning day on Friday. The Jeff Davis County Schools continue their evaluations for reopening on Friday, but conditions remain uncertain. Liberty County Schools will keep the virtual learning going on Friday, with all after-school activities canceled once again.
Additional School Updates
LifeSpring Christian Academy is on break until Friday, while Long County Schools remain shuttered for students and staff on the same day. McIntosh County Schools will continue remote learning on Friday, yet Montgomery County Schools are set to welcome students back on Friday.
Screven County will keep students at home on Friday, with a plan to resume on Monday, while Toombs County Schools are prepared to reopen. Urban Christian Academy is taking precautionary measures and will remain closed from Wednesday through Friday, as Wayne County Schools also canceled classes for Friday, along with all after-school activities.
Citywide Safety Measures
To top it all off, Savannah is currently under a state of emergency due to the winter storm, with the National Weather Service issuing a Winter Storm Warning for Chatham County. Emergency services continue to operate in Savannah, ensuring that road safety remains a top priority during this slippery situation.
And just for good measure, a warming center has been set up at the Tompkins Regional Center, providing a much-needed refuge for those affected by the cold weather.
It’s evident that this winter storm has turned our typical routines upside down, but the community is coming together, adjusting operations, and working towards ensuring everyone’s safety. As the weather continues to unfold, locals are encouraged to stay updated and safe!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- SavannahNow: City of Savannah Closes Due to Winter Storm
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- WSAV: Savannah School Closures Due to Winter Weather
- Google Search: Winter Weather Savannah
- WTOC: School Systems Change Schedules Due to Winter Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
- Connect Savannah: SCCPSS to Remain Closed
- Google News: Savannah School Closures
