Schools closing early August 30 due to weather

Barnwell and Allendale counties are preparing for Hurricane Idalia.

On Tuesday, August 29, Gov. Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency in preparation for the potential effects from Hurricane Idalia. He asks South Carolinians to monitor local forecasts and to begin taking proper precautions.

"Although South Carolina may avoid the worst of Hurricane Idalia's impacts, this State of Emergency is issued out of an abundance of caution to ensure that we have the necessary resources in place to respond to flooding events and are able to respond quickly if the forecast worsens," said McMaster. "Now is the time for South Carolinians to begin making proper preparations, and everyone should begin actively monitoring official sources for the most up-to-date information – especially those along our coast and in low-lying areas."

Idalia is expected to cross Florida and potentially bring tropical storm conditions to South Carolina, according to forecasters with the National Hurricane Center. This includes high winds, heavy rain, flash flooding, flooding due to storm surge, and isolated tornadoes potentially beginning Wednesday afternoon and lasting into Thursday morning or afternoon.

“Flash flooding and rains will be our biggest threat,” said Barnwell County Emergency Management Director Roger Riley on Tuesday. He said the area could receive four to eight inches of rain. He has met with the Department of Transportation about places prone to flooding.

With sustained winds expected to reach 21 mph and gusts of 32 mph, wind is another threat.

“Everyone in the state should be personally prepared for the effects of Idalia, such as flooding, property damage, and power outages,” states a press release from the governor’s office.

As of press time, government offices will remain open this week; however, Barnwell County schools will close early Wednesday, August 30 out of an abundance of caution as there's a possibility of damaging wind gusts (40 mph) and tornadoes.

“Current information indicates severe weather beginning tomorrow afternoon, so dismissing a half-day will allow our buses to transport students home and return before severe weather begins,” states a joint press release from the districts.

Here's a look at current school changes for Wednesday, August 30:

• Barnwell School District 45: Primary/elementary will dismiss at 11:30 a.m., and middle/high will dismiss at 11:50 a.m.
• Barnwell County Consolidated School District: Elementary will dismiss at 11:15 a.m., and middle/high will dismiss at 11:30 a.m.
• Jefferson Davis Academy will dismiss at 11 a.m.
• Allendale County Schools: Allendale-Fairfax Elementary School at 12:30 p.m., Allendale-Fairfax Middle School at 1:15 p.m., and Allendale-Fairfax High School at 1:16 p.m.
• USC Salkehatchie has canceled classes for Wednesday, Aug. 30 and Thursday, Aug. 31 due to the possibility of adverse weather conditions in the region. Campus will REMAIN OPEN UNTIL NOON on Wednesday, Aug. 30. Classes and normal campus operations will resume on Friday, Sept. 1.

"This will be a half-day eLearning day, and we ask parents to make arrangements now for half-day dismissal. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but the safety of our students and staff members is our utmost concern," stated Barnwell County school districts in their joint statement. "Our priority is the safety of our students and families, and we encourage everyone to take measures to prepare for the potential impact of this storm."

The Barnwell County school districts thank the county’s Emergency Management officials for all they do to prepare for emergency situations like this. 

Residents should take the time to double-check their personal emergency plans for this and future storms, including:

• Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do in an emergency.
• Storm surge flooding can be compounded by heavy rainfall. If you’re in a low-lying area or area normally prone to flooding, make sure your emergency plan includes flood precautions.
• Know where to go if conditions become too unsafe to remain in your home.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
• Create your emergency plan by visiting scemd.org or downloading the SC Emergency Manager mobile app: http://onelink.to/dn92rx.
• Have an emergency kit with items such as bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights with extra batteries, and chargers for your mobile devices. Refer to the preparedness checklists at Hurricane.SC.
• Bring pets inside and include items for your pets in your emergency kit.
• Prepare your home or business by securing any items you have outdoors and taking them indoors.
• The probability of power outages is increased due to tropical storm-force winds.
• Frequently monitor weather conditions and be aware that tornadoes are likely to spawn during a hurricane or tropical storm.
• If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately in a house or small building. If there is no basement, go to an interior room on the lowest level. Get under a sturdy table and cover your head. Stay there until the danger has passed.
• If in a vehicle or mobile home, get out immediately and go to a more secure structure. If there is no shelter, lie flat in the nearest ditch and cover your head. Do not attempt to outdrive a tornado.