One school district in the Midlands canceled classes Thursday, while another postponed the start of the day for its students as heavy rain swamped South Carolina.
All schools in Orangeburg County were closed, district officials said in a news release. The district originally planned to have a three-hour delay for students, teachers and other staff, but changed course and canceled Thursday’s classes.
“This decision was made with the safety and well-being of our students and staff as our top priority,” district officials said in the release.
Neighboring Calhoun County Public School District is experiencing a two-hour delay to its bus schedule due to heavy rain, officials said. Schools are open to motorists at normal times.
Orangeburg County officials said challenging roads, the condition of some buildings and persistent weather conditions are all factors causing their schools to close.
According to the National Weather Service, Orangeburg County is under a flood warning until 12:45 p.m., while a flood warning will be in effect until 7 p.m.
“Excessive runoff (from heavy rainfall) may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the National Weather Service said. “Floods can occur in poor drainage and in urban areas.”
The flood warning also applies to parts of Richland, Lexington, Sumter, Calhoun and Clarendon counties, according to the National Weather Service.
Parts of the Midlands received between 6 and 12 inches of rain, but little to no additional rainfall is expected, the National Weather Service said.
There was no word if Orangeburg County schools will resume their normal schedule Friday.
“We will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide additional updates on school operations as necessary,” officials said. “Stay safe and thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”
