Editor's Note: This story will be continuously updated.
With a flood watch on for the Upstate through Friday afternoon due to Hurricane Helene, schools and colleges are making decisions about cancellations and e-learning.
Here's what we know so far:
Spartanburg County School District 7 e-learning Friday, away varsity game to be decided
According to a post on the district's Facebook page , "District 7 will hold a regular school day on Thursday but has canceled all after-school and evening activities for Thursday. We will also hold an eLearning Day on Friday, September 27.
"Cherokee County will continue to monitor the storm's timing and impact in hopes that our Viking football team will still travel to compete in Gaffney Friday night. All other after-school programs and activities for District 7 are canceled for both Thursday and Friday."
Spartanburg County School District 6 e-learning Friday, no after-school activities this week
The district announced an E-Learning Day for Friday. All after-school activities have been canceled for Thursday and Friday.
Spartanburg County School District 5 e-learning Friday, no after-school activities this week
The district announced an E-Learning Day for Friday. All after-school activities have been canceled for Thursday and Friday.
Spartanburg County School District 4 e-learning Friday, varsity game to be decided
District 4 announced that an E-Learning Day will be held on Friday. After-school activities are canceled for Thursday.
The varsity football game will be decided by 2 p.m. Friday.
Spartanburg County School District 2 e-learning Friday, no after-school activities Thursday
District 2 announced that an E-Learning Day will be held on Friday. Schools are still open today, but all after-school activities have been canceled.
Spartanburg County School District 1 e-learning Friday, after-school activities canceled
Spartanburg School District 1 will have an E-Learning Day on Friday, and all after-school programs, activities, and athletic events scheduled for today and Friday have been canceled, according to a post on the district's Facebook page.
Furman University operating as normal
Senior Director of News and Media Strategy Clinton Colmenares said the college is not planning to cancel classes or change work schedules. The chief of the Furman University Police Department, John Milby, works closely with representatives from the National Weather Service and will continue to monitor the situation.
Spartanburg Methodist College e-learning on Friday
Director of Marketing Communications Jeremy Handel said, "We are shifting to virtual learning and work on Friday."
Converse University to continue normal operations
Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications Karen Rhodes said Converse University will continue with normal campus operations but will be monitoring the situation.
"Converse will be continuing with normal campus operations and we will keep you informed should anything change. In preparation, we are already putting into place our typical storm precautions," according to Rhodes. "The safety of our university community is our first priority. As with any inclement weather conditions, use your best judgment when traveling to and on campus, and do not venture out if you feel it is unsafe for you to do so. Students should notify their instructors if weather-related events inhibit their ability to attend class in person on Thursday or Friday."
Spartanburg County School District 3 open Thursday, e-learning Friday
According to district PIO Taggart Houck, "Spartanburg School District Three will transition to eLearning for Friday, September 27. All afterschool programs, activities, and practices have also been canceled for both Thursday and Friday. We will be monitoring the weather throughout the night and if the forecast changes to impact the school day on Thursday, we will communicate that as early as possible."
Greenville County Schools open Thursday, e-learning Friday
Greenville County Schools will be eLearning on Friday, Sept. 27. Classes will be held as usual on Thursday, but all after-school activities, including Extended Day Programs, are canceled.
Decisions about activities scheduled for Friday night and over the weekend will be announced by 2 p.m. Friday.
"The District’s ICE (Inclement Conditions Evaluation) Team evaluated the forecasts related to Hurricane Helene, and the decision was made based on forecasted conditions and in order for our families to have time to prepare and make arrangements for the care of students," GCS Director of Media Relations Tim Waller said. "The wind conditions are predicted to be greater than the parameters for safely operating buses as required by SC Dept of Education (sustained winds 30 mph or greater, or frequent wind gusts exceeding 45 mph). Forecasts predict the potential for power outages and unsafe conditions due to downed trees and powerlines, which could inhibit safe travel and building operations on Friday.
"Because we are an approved eLearning district, this day will not have to be made up and instruction will be provided through Google Classroom. Students will complete eLearning assignments later if they or their teachers are unable to participate due to power outages, lack of internet service, or other barriers."
Events as appropriate once school resumes. GCS District plans to continue monitoring weather conditions across the county.
Anderson County schools on for Thursday, e-learning Friday
According to Anderson County School District Three public Information officer Dylan McCullough, due to the anticipated weather impacts of Hurricane Helene, all Anderson County schools will be observing aneLearning Day on Friday, Sept. 27. They will be open Thursday.
Individual districts will communicate any changes to afterschool activities for Sept. 26 and 27 to their families.
"We urge everyone to follow weather advisories as we anticipate the effects of Hurricane Helene," McCullough said.
Limestone University has canceled classes, events
Limestone University in Gaffney is canceling classes on Thursday and Friday. Faculty and staff offices will also be closed.
Stephenson Dining Hall will be open, and students are instructed to gather in the Hines & Riggins Center, where there is a backup generator, in the event of campus power outages.
Limestone’s Presidential Inauguration, scheduled for Friday, has been postponed. Its Homecoming Parade, scheduled for Saturday, has also been canceled.
10 inches of rain to Greenville: Hurricane Helene could bring up to 10 inches of rain to Greenville: Worst effects Thursday
Wofford College plans to remain open
According to Wofford College Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jo Ann Mitchell Brasington, "Wofford College has no plans to cancel classes at this time. Some athletics events have been rescheduled, but right now, we’re cautious but hopeful that we can continue operations."
Clemson University monitoring the storm
According to Clemson University's Office of Emergency Management, the university is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Helene and its potential impacts on the main campus and CU locations throughout the state.
While rain will begin today, the significant impacts of Hurricane Helene are expected to start on Thursday with heavy rainfall and high wind gusts.
The main campus and Upstate locations are expected to receive 8-10 inches of rainfall and wind gusts of 35-50 mph. A flood watch is in effect for the Clemson area, and flash flooding and tornadoes are also possible.
The Emergency Management team advises students to ensure they are signed up to receive CU Alerts. They should also monitor local TV and radio stations for the latest weather reports and prepare for heavy rainfall and high wind gusts.
According to the City of Clemson Mayor Robert Halfacre, "The City of Clemson is closely monitoring Hurricane Helena. We are prepared to address debris removal, potential flooding, and ensure uninterrupted utility services in case of power outages."
Anderson University not canceling yet, to update campus community Thursday morning
Anderson University's Executive Director of Public Relations, Andrew J. Beckner, stated that the university's operations are unchanged now. More information regarding the tropical storm will be available after tomorrow morning's briefing.
Beckner said, "We received briefings all day yesterday and will again until the storm passes. In addition to the briefings, we meet directly to discuss our response and ensure that we’re following the University’s Emergency Response Plan which will occur this afternoon.
"The ERP makes sure all departments are coordinating well and that we can make rapid decisions, communicate clearly and promptly, and keep students safe."
The Anderson County Emergency Operations Center is located inside the School of Public Service and Administration in downtown Anderson. "So, we participate directly in all county response planning alongside town and county law enforcement and town and county emergency response officials, among others," he said.
The internal Campus Safety offices receive regular briefings from the Anderson County EOC and the National Weather Service. AU Campus Safety likewise regularly briefs the internal emergency response team. That team consists of leaders from across campus, including AU law enforcement, facilities, student affairs, the president’s office, public relations, etc.
The G. Ross Anderson, Jr. Student Center is the college's emergency shelter, should it be needed. It is stocked with backup power, emergency supplies, food and water, etc, and will be fully staffed throughout any emergency.
Anderson School D1 keeping eye on storm
Anderson School District One Public Information Officer Jennifer Mazza said the district is closely monitoring the storm's progress.
They constantly communicate with the Anderson Emergency team and the National Weather Service to stay updated.
No classes or after-school activities have been canceled at this time, but as the storm nears, more meetings will be held.
Travis Rose, reporter for the Anderson Independent-Mail contributed to this article.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Greenville, Anderson schools, and Spartanburg D3 will be e-learning Friday; Converse open
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