Midlands school districts cancel after-school activities as Helene heads toward SC

As Tropical Storm Helene barrels toward South Carolina, two school districts in the Midlands have canceled all after-school programs, activities and events for Thursday.

Richland One and Lexington-Richland Five school districts will maintain their normal schedule Thursday, including school start and dismissal times, but have canceled all afters school programs, “due to potential inclement weather from Tropical Storm Helene,” school officials said in a news release Wednesday.

While Richland One plans to resume its normal schedule on Friday, Lexington-Richland Five said it’s waiting for updated forecasts.

“No changes have been made to schedules for Friday, September 27 at this time,” a Richland One news release said. “If a decision is made to delay the start of the school day, dismiss school early or cancel school on Friday, students, staff, parents and the media will be notified as soon as possible.”

As for Lexington-Richland Five, “District officials will continue to monitor National Weather Service reports on the impacts of Hurricane Helene to our area and will make a determination about Friday’s schedule as the forecast becomes more certain.

Helene is expected to make landfall around 8 p.m. Thursday near Tallahassee, Florida as a major hurricane, according to a Richland County news release. Forecasts show the county could experience up to 5 inches of rain as well as sustained winds of up to 35 mph, with gusts of up to 45 mph.

“Increasing winds, precipitation, and threat of tornadic activity are expected in Richland County tomorrow night with the greatest risk between midnight and 6 a.m. Friday,” the release said.

“Deteriorating conditions also are expected to produce an increased possibility of flash flooding, downed trees and powerlines,” according to the release. “Residents are reminded to remain vigilant and monitor local forecasts.”