Storm Watch: Upstate Schools and Colleges Adjust Operations Amid Hurricane Helene Threat

Storm Watch: Upstate Schools and Colleges Weigh In on Hurricane Helene

With a flood watch issued for the Upstate through Friday owing to the looming Hurricane Helene, schools and colleges across the region have started taking necessary measures concerning cancellations and the implementation of e-learning.

Converse University

Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications, Karen Rhodes, informed that Converse University will maintain normal campus operations; however, the situation remains under constant scrutiny. Karen further emphasized the safety of the university community as their topmost priority, advising students to make use of their best judgment when journeying to and on campus. She added that students ought to keep their instructors informed if the weather impedes their capacity to attend class in person on Thursday or Friday.

Spartanburg School District Three and Greenville County Schools

Spartanburg School District Three, according to district PIO Taggart Houck, will make a switch to eLearning for Friday, September 27. All afterschool programs and activities have been called off for Thursday and Friday. Greenville County Schools are also slated for eLearning on Friday, with Thursday’s classes to be held as usual. All after-school activities, comprising Extended Day Programs, stand canceled.

Anderson County School District Three

Public Information Officer, Dylan McCullough revealed that all Anderson County schools will be observing an eLearning Day on Friday due to the expected weather impacts of Hurricane Helene, with the schools remaining open as per usual on Thursday.

Limestone University in Gaffney

Limestone University in Gaffney has announced the cancellation of classes on Thursday and Friday, with faculty and staff offices also to remain closed. However, in case of campus power outages, the students have been directed to assemble in the Hines & Riggins Center, where a backup generator is in place.

Wofford College and Clemson University

Wofford College has made no move to cancel classes yet. At Clemson University, the Office of Emergency Management is actively monitoring Tropical Storm Helene and its possible impacts on the main campus and CU locations across the state. The significant impacts of Hurricane Helene are projected to commence on Thursday with substantial rainfall and high wind gusts. The Emergency Management team has advised students to be prepared for heavy rainfall and high wind gusts.

Anderson University

Andrew J. Beckner, Anderson University’s Executive Director of Public Relations, noted that the university’s operations remain unaltered for now. He stressed on the importance of coordinating all departments well and making swift decisions while keeping students safe. The G. Ross Anderson, Jr. Student Center is the college’s emergency shelter, should it be needed. It is equipped with backup power, emergency supplies, food, and water, and will be fully staffed during any emergency.

Anderson School District One

Public Information Officer Jennifer Mazza said the district is closely observing the storm’s progress and constantly communicating with the Anderson Emergency team and the National Weather Service. No classes or after-school activities have been called off at this moment, but more meetings are expected to be held as the storm closes in.

As Hurricane Helene continues its path, residents and schools alike are urged to remain vigilant and informed. Ensuring the safety of the community is of utmost importance.