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Chilly Weather Impacting School Schedules in Upstate

Icy roads pose risks for school commutes in the Upstate.

News Summary

On January 23, 2025, Upstate students face frosty conditions as temperatures drop to 17 degrees. With schools evaluating safety, some districts delay or cancel classes due to icy roads and snow accumulations. While some schools maintain regular schedules, others opt for e-learning or delays. Parents are urged to prepare for potentially hazardous driving conditions as winter weather warnings remain in effect.

Chilly Conditions and School Schedules: What to Expect for Upstate Students

As the temperatures drop and the snowflakes start to swirl, students and parents across the Upstate are bracing themselves for a rather frosty Thursday, January 23, 2025. With the mercury predicted to dip to a frosty 17 degrees overnight through Wednesday, many schools are pondering whether to delay or cancel classes in light of icy roads and chilly weather.

Weather Watch: Icy Roads and Snow Accumulations

On the weather front, Thursday’s forecast shows mostly cloudy skies with highs creeping up to about 40 degrees. However, don’t be fooled by the daytime warmth—by Thursday evening, temperatures are expected to plunge back down to around 21 degrees, leaving icy patches in its wake. A few counties have reported light snow accumulations, including:

Anderson County: 0.5 inches
Greenville County: 0.4 inches
Spartanburg County: 0.3 inches

As a result, many roads are transforming into treacherous pathways, posing a safety hazard, especially during the evening when the temperatures drop below freezing.

School District Decisions: Normal Operations vs. Delays

So, what’s the game plan for schools in the Upstate? In a mixed bag of decisions, some districts are opting to stick with their usual schedules while others are taking a more cautious approach. Here’s how it’s looking:

Greenville County Schools: A normal schedule on Thursday following the evaluation of road conditions by the District’s Inclement Conditions Evaluation Team.
Spartanburg District 3: Normal operations set to continue after monitoring the situation closely.
Spartanburg School District Six: Back to the regular routine, thanks to favorable weather reports.
Spartanburg School District 5: Confirmed normal operations after ensuring safety conditions are acceptable.
Anderson Districts 1, 2, 4, and 5: Opting for a two-hour delay on Thursday, with buses sidelined on icy roads.
Anderson District 3: Conducting an e-learning day due to hazardous conditions in rural areas.

In anticipation of frigid weather, if you’re a parent in Greenville County, be aware that schools had already planned for an e-learning day on Wednesday, January 22, with buildings closed and all activities canceled. Other districts like Spartanburg Schools 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 also jumped on the e-learning train for the same day, putting safety at the forefront.

Important Reminders for Parents and Students

As parents prepare to send their little ones off to school on Thursday, it’s crucial to encourage kids to take extra caution while driving. Reports indicate that some roads may still harbor isolated patches of ice. The National Weather Service isn’t holding back either, having issued several warnings and advisories regarding the winter weather and ongoing cold conditions in the region.

As Upstate schools navigate through these chilly challenges, everyone’s eyes are on the skies and the temperature gauge. Hopefully, by the time those coats, hats, and gloves are donned and ready to go, conditions will improve, making for a smooth and safe commute to school!