News Summary
Multiple school districts in Middle Tennessee have announced closures and delayed start times due to severe cold temperatures and a significant flu outbreak. The CDC has reported high flu activity in Tennessee, prompting school officials to prioritize student safety. Compounding the situation, a winter storm is expected to bring snowfall and hazardous weather conditions. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and take precautions as travel may be affected and temperatures drop dangerously low.
Nashville, TN – Multiple school districts in Middle Tennessee have announced closures and delayed start times for Friday, February 21, due to severe cold temperatures and a significant outbreak of flu. These measures are part of ongoing efforts to ensure student safety and health amidst challenging weather conditions.
Cheatham and Robertson County Schools were among the first districts to announce their closures on Thursday afternoon. Specifically, Dickson County Schools will close its doors due to a high number of flu cases affecting students and staff alike. These closures come at a time when Tennessee has been reported as having the fourth-highest rate of flu activity in the United States, as data indicates an alarming and widespread incidence of illness.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has designated Tennessee as experiencing high flu activity, highlighting the seriousness of the health crisis faced by the region. Residents are advised to take precautions to protect themselves and their families.
Weather Warnings and Effects
Compounding the health situation, Middle Tennessee has been under the impression of a winter storm that is set to worsen on Friday. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for portions of the area, effective until 7 a.m. on Sunday, warning of impending hazardous weather conditions. Some areas have already experienced several inches of rain leading to potential storm damage, with more adverse weather conditions expected.
Precipitation is likely to include significant snowfall that will begin in the western part of Middle Tennessee between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. It will spread toward Nashville and areas along I-65 starting between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. Snowfall is anticipated to reach the Cumberland Plateau around 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., with forecasts predicting total accumulations between 4 inches to 6 inches across the majority of the region.
Travel Concerns
Travelers should brace for deteriorating road conditions throughout the day, with heavy bands of snow forecasted to complicate travel plans. Authorities warn that airport flights and other travel may face significant delays due to the inclement conditions.
Cold Weather Advisory
The National Weather Service has also issued a Cold Weather Advisory due to dangerously low temperatures, with expected wind chill values dropping to between zero and 7 degrees Fahrenheit. Residents are urged to dress warmly in layers, particularly for those who are more vulnerable, including children, the elderly, and pets. Special attention should also be paid to plumbing systems to prevent freezing.
Daycare and Extended Programs
In conjunction with school closures, Cheatham County’s extended daycare program will remain operational from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. but will not include extracurricular activities or community use of school facilities. Conversely, daycares in the Robertson County area will also be closed, following directives from the Schools Director.
Ongoing Updates
The list of school closures and additional updates will be provided as more announcements are forthcoming. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay informed about any changes that may occur as weather conditions and flu activity evolve throughout the region.
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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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