News Summary
Severe weather is forecasted for the Midlands region on March 5, 2025, prompting local school districts to announce closures, delays, and modified schedules. With wind gusts exceeding 65 mph and potential tornadoes, safety is a priority. Updates also include a burn ban and the postponement of the SAT. Families are advised to stay informed through official school communications as they prepare for the storm.
Midlands Schools Take Precautions Ahead of Severe Weather on March 5, 2025
The heart of the Midlands is gearing up for a significant weather event as a strong line of storms is expected to sweep across the region on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. With forecasts predicting wind gusts that could soar over an astonishing 65 miles per hour, school districts are proactively adjusting their plans to keep students and staff safe.
School Closures and Delays
As parents prepare for the stormy weather, several school districts have made key announcements. Fairfield County Schools will be closed for the day, and all afternoon activities are scrapped. Meanwhile, Lexington One has decided to cancel classes; however, it’s important to note that employees should still report to work by 10 a.m. Afternoon professional development schedules will continue as planned, and students engaged in extracurricular activities at Lexington One schools can still attend those events.
In Lexington Two, schools will be starting two hours later than usual. This delay also applies to morning bus operations, with a notable cancellation of all 3K half-day child development classes. Similarly, Lexington County School District Three will embrace an eLearning Day on March 5, which means all after-school events are off the table.
Not wanting to miss out on classroom time, Lexington District Four is also opting for a two-hour delay, meaning both students and staff will start their day later than normal. And it doesn’t stop there; School District Five’s schools and their virtual program will follow suit with the same two-hour delay, though breakfast will still be provided upon students’ arrival.
Over in Orangeburg County, schools will be closed entirely, with all athletic events and extracurricular activities postponed for the day. In Richland One and Richland School District Two, expect a two-hour delayed start, but the new adjusted times for elementary, middle, and high schools will alter morning routines. Notably, breakfast will not be served in Richland One.
Weather Impact and Safety Measures
As if that’s not enough to consider, forecasters warn that a News19 Weather Impact Alert has been issued due to the anticipated severe weather. The storm system is expected to roll into the western Midlands early in the morning, and the most severe impacts are likely to occur between 5 a.m. and 1 p.m. As the storms push through, they will shift eastward, possibly reaching the Grand Strand before tapering off.
As if those wind gusts of 60 to 75 mph weren’t alarming enough, there’s also the concern of isolated tornadoes appearing in the eastern Midlands and Pee Dee region. The combination of heavy rain and lightning could make for dangerous driving conditions during the morning, so families are reminded to stay vigilant. Fortunately, widespread flooding isn’t forecasted, but rain accumulations could reach up to three-quarters of an inch or more in localized areas.
Even when the storms pass later in the day, wind speeds of 30 to 45 mph are still predicted, raising concerns about fire danger due to the ongoing dry conditions following the storm. With this in mind, families are being advised to prepare by charging their devices, securing any outdoor items that could get blown away, and avoiding outdoor burning.
Updates for Families
In light of these upcoming weather challenges, the South Carolina Forestry Commission has issued a state-wide burn ban to combat the increasing risk of fires. As students stay snug at home, it’s essential for families to stay updated through school communication channels regarding any changes to bus schedules and operations.
Also, there’s a bit of news for high school students planning to take the SAT on March 5; that test has been postponed and will now take place on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
Thankfully, by Wednesday night, conditions are expected to clear up. Hopefully, by the weekend, a return to drier weather will help bring some relief after the storm’s chaos. So, hang tight, Midlands! The weather may be wild, but we’ll get through it together, safe and sound.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Midlands Schools Adjust Schedules for Winter Weather
Midlands Gears Up for Tropical Storm Debby
Historic Rainfall Expected from Hurricane Debby in South Carolina
Milton Becomes Category 3 Hurricane as It Approaches Florida
Additional Resources
- WLTX: Severe Weather Forecast
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- Herald Online: SC Weather News
- Google Search: South Carolina Severe Weather
- ABC Columbia: School Changes Due to Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- WIS TV: Severe Weather Safety Week
- Google News: South Carolina Weather Alerts
- The State: Weather News Updates
- ABC Columbia: Orangeburg County Schools Closure
