News Summary
As snowfall approaches the Midlands, several universities are making scheduling adjustments to ensure the safety of students and staff. The University of South Carolina and Midlands Technical College have announced early closures, while the COMET bus service is halting operations. In light of the weather, e-learning days are being implemented across various school districts. Community services like libraries and recreation commissions are also adjusting their hours. Students and faculty are advised to stay updated on further announcements as conditions develop.
Midlands Schools Adjust Schedules as Snow Approaches
As snowfall looms over the Midlands, schools are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of students and staff. With forecasters predicting snow to begin by Tuesday afternoon and continuing into Wednesday morning, numerous school districts are announcing early dismissals and transitioning to e-learning days.
What to Expect
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for several counties including Richland, Lexington, Lee, Sumter, Clarendon, Calhoun, and Orangeburg. Areas along the I-20 corridor may see up to an inch of snow. School officials are advising parents and students to prepare for possible travel delays and hazardous conditions.
Richland 1 School District’s Early Dismissal
In Richland 1 School District, elementary schools will release students at 11 a.m., middle schools at 12:30 p.m., and high schools at 11:45 a.m. To keep the kids fueled up for the journey home, breakfast and lunch will be served before dismissal. All after-school activities have been canceled. Students can look forward to a virtual e-learning day on Wednesday, while teachers will also enjoy a work-from-home day.
Richland 2 Responds to the Weather
The Richland 2 School District will follow a similar schedule, with elementary schools dismissing at 11 a.m., middle schools at 11:45 a.m., and high schools at 12:30 p.m. As with other districts, Wednesday will be an e-learning day, and all facilities will be closed on that day.
Lexington School Districts Adjust Their Plans
Meanwhile, the Lexington 1 School District plans a half-day schedule. Elementary students will take off at 11:20 a.m., middle schools will let out at 12:05 p.m. (Gilbert students will leave at 12:15 p.m.), and high schools will dismiss between 12:25 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. As always, breakfast and lunch will be provided, but all after-school childcare and activities have been canceled. Wednesday will usher in online learning for all students.
The Lexington 2 School District will dismiss elementary students at 11:30 a.m., with middle and high school students departing at 12:30 p.m. E-learning will also be in effect on Wednesday, halting any after-school activities.
Across the Lexington 3 School District, early dismissal for students from K4 to 12 is on the agenda, with e-learning days awaiting students come Wednesday. Athletic events and all after-school programs are also canceled.
Other Districts Follow Suit
The Sumter School District will also transition to online learning on Wednesday, while Kershaw County Schools are opting for an early dismissal on Tuesday, with a two-hour delay scheduled for Wednesday.
Orangeburg County Schools will follow a similar pattern, making Wednesday an e-learning day, along with various school districts in the region, including Clarendon, Fairfield, and Lee counties. They are also adjusting plans, focusing on students’ safety during this snowy spell.
Local Colleges Making Adjustments
Community Services Prepare for Change
West Columbia’s City Hall and parks will close their doors at noon, ensuring employees and visitors can make it home safely before conditions worsen. South Carolina State University is closing offices at 2 p.m., while Claflin University will also shut down by noon.
Transportation Update
As the situation develops, stay tuned for further announcements regarding school closures and weather updates. Stay safe, everyone!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WIS TV
- The State
- WLTX
- ABC Columbia
- WACH
- Wikipedia: Winter storm
- Google Search: snow weather updates
- Google Scholar: winter weather school closures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: winter storm
- Google News: midlands school closures
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
