Augusta, Ga. — As the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) braces for severe weather on Wednesday, several school districts have announced closures, e-learning days, and schedule changes in response to the threat of damaging winds and potential tornadoes.

The Richmond County School System has decided to implement a PowerUp Asynchronous Learning Day on Wednesday, citing safety concerns related to the forecasted severe weather. All extracurricular activities have been canceled as well, ensuring that students and staff can focus on staying safe during the storm.

In Aiken County, the school district has opted for an E-Learning day due to anticipated high winds that could make bus travel unsafe in the morning. Employees will operate on a two-hour delay, with no arrivals before 10 a.m. However, the district confirmed that after-school extracurricular activities, including practices and games, will proceed as scheduled.

Several other school districts in the region are also taking precautionary measures:

• Allendale County School District will transition to an E-Learning day, with all after-school programs and athletic events canceled. The district has announced that meals will be sent home with students to ensure they have access to meals during the day.

• Bamberg County School District will be closed on Wednesday. After-school programs and scheduled athletic events have been canceled, and any games will be rescheduled.

• Barnwell County School District will also close its doors on Wednesday for all students and staff due to the expected weather conditions.

• Edgefield County School District has decided on an E-Learning day, with district staff and faculty members operating on a two-hour delay. There will be no after-school activities.

• McCormick County School District will hold an E-Learning day as well, with the severe weather expected to bring high winds and thunderstorms to the region.

• Orangeburg County School District will be closed to ensure the safety of students, staff, and families.

• Taliaferro County School District will have a delayed start on Wednesday, with buses picking up one hour later than usual. The school day will begin at 9:00 a.m.

• Washington County Public Schools are proceeding with normal operations as of now, though officials are closely monitoring the situation.

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a marginal to slight risk of severe weather for the CSRA on Wednesday. Forecasters are predicting damaging winds with gusts between 40 and 60 mph, along with the potential for isolated tornadoes, particularly closer to the coast. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to impact the entire CSRA, with gusty winds persisting into the afternoon.

Residents are urged to secure loose items around their homes and remain alert to the changing weather conditions.

As the storm is expected to move through the region early in the morning between 4 a.m. and 11 a.m., school officials continue to prioritize the safety of students and staff, making necessary adjustments to schedules as the weather event unfolds.