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:
All Spartanburg Community College campuses closed Friday
According to a Thursday press release, all Spartanburg Community College campuses will be closed Sept. 27 due to the weather.
Wofford College working remote on Friday
Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jo Ann Mitchell Brasington said, "Because Hurricane Helene is expected to have the greatest impact on our area in the early morning hours of Friday, Sept. 27, Wofford College has announced that classes will not meet in person tomorrow. Instead, Wofford classes will be remote by whatever modality faculty determine. In addition, remote work is encouraged for employees unless your work tomorrow is essential to the health, safety and support of Wofford students."
The college's volleyball matches Thursday evening and Friday evening and the Saturday football game against Mercer University are still on.
Furman University closing at 5:30 Thursday
Clinton Colmenares, Senior Director of News and Media Strategy at Furman University, stated, "We are closing the campus tonight at 5:30 through tomorrow night. This is Family Weekend for Furman, so we are also canceling many activities."
During this closure, all scheduled activities on campus are canceled (including all in-person classes, labs, and meetings related to coursework, CLPs, and student activities). Unfortunately, this also includes Family Weekend and athletics events through Friday.
Employees required to work on campus during the closure will be notified by their departments. Other employees may not report to work on campus during the closure. Staff not asked to work on campus are not required to work remotely and are paid according to the inclement weather policy.
The Furman emergency team will assess the state of campus mid-day Friday and will decide by 2 p.m. tomorrow whether to reopen campus and proceed with events on Saturday.
In the meantime, Colmenares stated that Dining Services, Furman Police, Facilities Services, and Housing & Residence Life will continue to be limited in their availability to students.
He said, "students will receive more information on available campus services in a separate email. Family Weekend attendees will also receive a communication with more details."
With Furman University Campus closing through tomorrow night, Colmenares said, "Faculty will receive additional information in a separate email and will communicate with their students about plans for their classes."
He said. "If you are traveling, please use caution and avoid driving through large puddles or standing water on roadways. Students and employees should be aware of their surroundings while walking on campus during strong winds and rain."
"The timing of a severe weather event is never good, and Helene will cause disruptions and inconveniences as families travel to campus for Family Weekend. The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and the greater community is paramount."
Furman Police will continue to work with the National Weather Service to monitor conditions on campus and send emergency notifications as needed. Visit the Police Department website for more information about severe weather warnings. Call Furman Police at 864-294-2111 or use the LiveSafe app to request assistance or to report weather-related issues.
Anderson University going remote on Friday, no activities at any facility
Anderson University's Executive Director of Public Relations, Andrew J. Beckner, stated the college is operating on a normal schedule Thursday, but will convert to online classes and remote work for employees Friday.
"No in-person classes, activities, or events will be held tomorrow. This change in operations includes all campus facilities, including the University Center-Greenville," said Beckner. "For those who choose to remain on campus or are unable to leave or arrive at their destination safely, essential services will be available. Keeping our campus community safe and secure is Anderson University’s top priority."
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.
USC Upstate holding virtual classes Thursday afternoon, Friday
According to Communications Director Emily Gillespie, "Due to the potential for extreme weather later today and Friday, USC Upstate classes will be virtual as of 2 p.m. this afternoon. Friday classes will be held virtually. Any decision regarding closure of campus offices will be made in accordance with protocols followed by Spartanburg County."
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.
A decision about the varsity football game will be made 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
The district 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.
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 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, Spartanburg schools will be e-learning; area colleges announce plans
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