Escambia and Santa Rosa County Schools Close Thursday Due to Hurricane Helene's Threat

In a precautionary move, both the Escambia County and Santa Rosa County school districts have made the decision to close schools on Thursday due to the impending threat posed by Hurricane Helene. This decision follows updated wind advisories from the National Weather Service of Mobile. Superintendent Keith Leonard of Escambia County Public Schools made the announcement shortly before 4:30 PM, confirming that all schools and district offices would be closed on September 26, 2024. Shortly after, officials from Santa Rosa school district followed suit, highlighting the seriousness of the weather warnings.

The National Weather Service has predicted severe weather conditions in the area on Thursday, including strong winds that could jeopardize school bus travel, heavy rainfall, and the potential for significant tornadic activity. In light of these forecasts, all schools, district offices, and afterschool programs, encompassing both indoor and outdoor athletics, have been canceled as a precautionary measure.

Resumption of School Operations

Superintendent Keith Leonard expressed optimism about resuming normal district operations on Friday, September 27, pending assessments of safety by local emergency operations officials. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the well-being of students and employees in these decisions. Similarly, Santa Rosa County schools share the intention to reopen on Friday, contingent upon the evolving weather situation.

Community Cooperation

District officials are committed to continuously monitoring weather updates to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the community as a whole. Members of the community are encouraged to stay informed and vigilant regarding the weather developments in the coming days, as the situation remains dynamic and subject to change.