Augusta-area schools extend closures post Helene. Here's the latest from K-12, colleges

Public and private Augusta area schools have announced closures and cancellations in anticipation of Hurricane Helene's arrival in the area late Thursday.

Current forecasts show the Category 4 hurricane, projected to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall and flooding to south central Georgia, will make landfall along Florida's Big Bend coast on Thursday.

Here's what we know about school closures and event cancellations in Richmond, Columbia and Aiken counties:

Are Richmond County schools closed?

Richmond County School System had students learn from home on Friday, and has issued a news release saying they will continue to do so until Wednesday. This includes sports and other extracurricular activities. Another announcement will be made on Tuesday regarding the rest of the week.

Georgia Power update: Number drops below 1 million powerless across the state

Augusta Prep announced via a Facebook post that school will be closed Friday through Monday. The Homecoming game has tentatively been postponed to Saturday.

Westminster Schools posted on Facebook that school is canceled Friday and so are all of Thursday's after-school activities. Thursday's classes are unchanged.

Episcopal Day School posted on Facebook that Friday's Conference Day will be rescheduled, and extended day care as well as after school activities Thursday will be suspended.

Augusta University posted on Facebook that campuses will close at 3 p.m. Thursday and all in-person classes, campus events, and activities are canceled. Friday was tentatively meant to be a learn-from-home day, but those plans were scrapped too. Community members should monitor Passio-GO for updates to the shuttles. Residence halls may remain open, but residents should contact their community front desks or RA for more info.

Augusta Technical University issued a news release reporting all campuses and sites will be closed by 4 p.m. Thursday and will not reopen until Monday. Students affected are asked to check in with their instructors via Blackboard. All evening classes and activities/events scheduled for Thursday are canceled.

Are Columbia County schools closed?

SAIL Charter School announced it will be closed Thursday and Friday, according to a news release. Students will have two days of online learning.

Columbia County School District initially closed schools Friday, but released a letter saying power may not be restored at their facilities for at least a week. Schools are now closed until at least Wednesday.

High school football: Augusta-area high school football games affected by Hurricane Helene. Here's what we know

Are Aiken County schools closed?

The Aiken Public School District announced all after school activities are canceled Thursday, including athletics, arts, meetings planned for after school, and Quest Zone, according to the district website. On Friday, students will be e-learning, with teachers and staff working remotely.

The University of South Carolina Aiken reported on its website that campus will close at 5 p.m. Thursday with classes transitioning to virtual and campus will remain closed until Monday. In-person activities and events after 5 are canceled. All non-essential offices and operations will be closed. The Wellness Center and Children's Center will be closed Friday.

To report public or private school closures or cancellations to our staff, please email newsroom@augustachronicle.com or mlegoas@augustachronicle.com.

(This story has been updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta-area schools extend closures post Helene. Here's the latest from K-12, colleges