News Summary
Severe winter weather and a flu outbreak are causing multiple school closures and delays across Middle Tennessee. Local school districts are prioritizing safety, with heavy snowfall expected. The National Weather Service has issued a cold weather advisory, warning of dangerously low temperatures and conditions affecting travel and public health. The flu activity in the region remains high, further complicating the situation as administrators assess health risks and weather impacts.
Middle Tennessee Faces School Closures and Delays Due to Extreme Cold and Flu Outbreaks
Middle Tennessee is experiencing multiple school closures and delayed start times on Friday, February 21, as a result of severe winter weather conditions and a significant flu outbreak. The combination of these factors has led local school districts to prioritize student and staff safety, resulting in widespread disruptions to the school schedule.
Severe Weather and Flood Risks Prompt School Closures
Several schools across the region announced closures Thursday afternoon, citing dangerous cold temperatures and hazardous road conditions caused by the ongoing winter storm. Cheatham County Schools and Robertson County Schools were among the first districts to inform families of closures, effective for Friday. Cheatham County’s extended daycare program will operate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., but without extracurricular activities or use of facilities by the community. Meanwhile, daycare services in Robertson County will be closed on Friday altogether.
According to the National Weather Service, a powerful winter storm will impact Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky early Friday morning. Snow is expected to begin in the western parts of Middle Tennessee between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., progressively moving eastward throughout the morning. Nashville and areas along Interstate 65 are forecasted to see snow starting between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m., while the Cumberland Plateau may experience snow from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Steady snowfall is anticipated to continue into the afternoon, with some regions experiencing heavy snowbands. Accumulations are projected to reach between 4 and 6 inches across most of Middle Tennessee, potentially causing dangerous travel conditions and impacting airport operations.
High Flu Activity Contributing to School Closures
In addition to weather-related concerns, health concerns have prompted closures. Dickson County Schools announced they would be closed due to a high number of flu cases within the school system. The current flu activity in Tennessee is notably high, ranking the state as the fourth highest nationwide according to Walgreens data. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also flagged Tennessee as experiencing high flu activity, prompting educators to prioritize health and safety.
Weather Advisory and Safety Precautions
The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for the region, warning residents of dangerously cold temperatures. Wind chill values on Friday morning are expected to fall between zero and 7 degrees. Residents are advised to dress in warm layers, limit outdoor exposure, and take precautions to protect vulnerable populations, pets, and plumbing from freezing temperatures.
Furthermore, the region has experienced recent storm damage and increased rainfall in some areas, complicating transportation and emergency response efforts. The NWS has issued a flood watch for parts of Middle Tennessee, effective until 7 a.m. Sunday, as additional rain and storm activity are anticipated.
Additional Updates and Regional Impact
Road conditions throughout Middle Tennessee are expected to worsen rapidly as snow continues to fall. Motorists are urged to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated with official advisories. The snowstorm and cold weather are also likely to impact airport flights and transportation services, leading to possible delays and cancellations.
The list of school closures and delays will be updated as more districts make announcements. Local officials continue to monitor weather conditions and public health data to ensure community safety during this challenging weather event.
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Additional Resources
- FOX 17 News
- Wikipedia: School Closure
- The Tennessean
- Google Search: Nashville school closures
- WSMV News
- Google Scholar: Nashville school closures
- News Channel 5
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closures
- The Tennessean – Weather Closures
- Google News: Nashville area school closures
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