North Carolina schools to operate remotely or close Friday as Hurricane Helene brings threats of severe weather

NORTH CAROLINA (WGHP) — Schools across the Piedmont Triad and surrounding areas will be closed on Friday, September 27 due to the threat of severe weather caused by Hurricane Helene, several school districts announced Thursday.

At a press conference Thursday, Governor Roy Cooper emphasized the risks—including landslides, flash flooding, damaging debris flows, slope failure and river flooding—and other dangers the storm presents in the foothills and western North Carolina.

The following school districts have announced closures so far. Check back for updates.

Asheboro City Schools

Due to the severe weather threat from Hurricane Helene, including potential tornadoes, high winds, and flooding, Asheboro City Schools will be CLOSED Friday, September 27, 2024 for students. It will be an Optional Teacher Workday for staff. All after-school events and activities are canceled for Friday, as well.

This decision was made for the safety of our ACS community, which could especially impact walkers, bus riders, and student drivers.

Please stay informed of weather updates and remain safe.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Asheboro City Schools (Facebook)

Surry County Schools

Due to heavy rain and potential flooding, Surry County Schools will dismiss students at 2:00 p.m. today, Thursday, September 26, 2024. All after-school events and activities are canceled and there will be no after-school childcare this afternoon.

Due to the hazardous weather outlook for tomorrow, which could impact student drivers, bus routes, and overall safety, Friday, September 27, will be a remote learning day for students and staff. Students should check their learning management system for assignments and instructions from their teachers.

Safety is the top priority for Surry County Schools, and we believe this decision to be in the best interest of our students, staff, and families. Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe over the next few days during this severe weather event.

Surry County Schools (Facebook)

Elkin City Schools

Due to the expected weather and forecast, which may include; potential road challenges, strong winds, and anticipated flooding, Elkin City Schools will be dismissing early. ALL students will dismiss at 1:30 p.m.

Elkin City Schools (Facebook)

Alleghany County Schools

Good morning. Alleghany County Schools North Carolina will be dismissing early today at 12:30. There will also be a no day tomorrow for students and staff, Friday, September 27. This day will be made up on March 12, 2025.

All afternoon activities for today and tomorrow have been canceled. Thank you and travel safely.

Alleghany County Schools (Facebook)

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools

Hello WS/FCS families.

Due to predicted high wind gusts and the potential for flash flooding and tornadoes from Hurricane Helene during student and staff arrivals in the morning, WS/FCS will be closed for students and staff on Friday, September 27.

Although the weather is predicted to improve in the afternoon, all extracurricular activities will also be cancelled on Friday to give us time to assess facility conditions.

Activities this afternoon and tonight will continue as normal.

Thank you and stay safe!

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (Facebook)

Mount Airy City Schools

Due to fast-approaching inclement weather: Pre-kindergartener car riders will dismiss at 12:45. K-2 BHT students along with Jones will be dismissed at 1:00. MAMS and MAHS will dismiss at 2:00. All after-school events and activities will be canceled for today. School will be closed for students tomorrow Friday, September 27.

Stay safe, everyone!

Mount Airy City Schools (Facebook)

Davie County Schools

We have been closely monitoring and working alongside state and local officials regarding the potential for severe weather conditions overnight and into tomorrow.

Due to the information we have received about Hurricane Helene, Davie County Schools will operate a remote learning day tomorrow, Friday, September 27, 2024. All preschool locations will be closed tomorrow, as well.

Elementary students will be provided take-home learning materials from their child’s teacher. Our middle and high school students can expect communication from their respective teachers detailing assignments via Canvas.

All after-school activities on Thursday will proceed as scheduled. However, all events for Friday are canceled.

Staff members will receive a separate email shortly, and are encouraged to directly connect with their supervisors with any questions.

As always, the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority in making these decisions. We urge everyone to take all necessary precautions during this storm.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Davie County Schools (Facebook)

Guilford County Schools

Due to the potential for severe weather tonight and tomorrow morning, and out of an abundance of caution, GCS will be closed for students and staff on Friday, Sept. 27. It will not be a remote learning day. Football games scheduled to be played this evening and tomorrow, Friday, September 27, will be played as scheduled. The district will operate under Emergency Closing Plan C, and staff members should work with their supervisors for specific plans.

Guilford County Schools (Facebook)

Lexington City Schools

Due to anticipated inclement weather, Lexington City Schools will be closed for all in-person instruction tomorrow, Friday, September 27, 2024. Staff and students will have a remote learning day.

All LCS buildings will be closed to staff tomorrow, and no one will be able to access school facilities.

Lexington City Schools (Website)

Alamance-Burlington School System

Due to predicted high wind gusts and the potential for flash flooding and tornadoes from Hurricane Helene, all ABSS schools and district offices will be closed on Friday, September 27. This closure applies to all ABSS facilities and activities.

Debido a las fuertes ráfagas de viento pronosticadas y la posibilidad de inundaciones repentinas y tornados por el huracán Helene, todas las escuelas y oficinas del distrito de ABSS estarán cerradas el viernes 27 de septiembre. Este cierre se aplica a todas las instalaciones y actividades de ABSS.

Alamance-Burlington School System (Website)

Rockingham County Schools

Rockingham County Schools will be CLOSED for students and an optional teacher workday tomorrow, September 27th, due to Hurricane Helene.

Rockingham City Schools (Facebook)

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