Sumter, Lee school districts to close schools early due to weather

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The threat of severe weather has caused district officials to end classes early today and also cancel after school activities.

Just after 10 a.m. this morning, Sumter School District decided it will dismiss all schools early today.

Elementary schools will dismiss at 1 p.m., middle schools at 1:45 p.m., and high schools at 2:30 p.m., according to a district spokeswoman.

District administration had already decided on Wednesday night to cancel all after school and evening activities that were scheduled for today. This includes the district’s after school program, all sports practices and games, meetings and adult education classes.

The cancelations are out of an abundance of caution for the safety of students, staff and parents, a district notice said.

Lee County School District is also altering plans due to today’s weather.

The county’s elementary and primary schools will close at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, and the middle and high school will let students out at noon.

Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s school for more information, district spokeswoman Angela Crosland said.

The main threat to Sumter and the surrounding region from a strong cold front crossing the area Thursday afternoon into night is expected to be damaging wind. According to the National Weather Service, a south wind between 10 and 15 miles per hour may increase to 16-21 mph Thursday afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 36 mph, the federal agency predicts.

Rain, sometimes heavy, will continue through Thursday night with southwest winds between 10 and 16 mph.

There is also a lake wind advisory in effect until 7 p.m. on Friday with southwest winds between 20 and 40 knots with gusts near 35 knots predicted. Strong winds and rough waves on area lakes will create hazardous conditions for small craft, according to the agency.

It’s expected to clear up and cool down by Friday.