A significant coastal storm system has prompted several school districts and government offices in southeastern North Carolina to alter their schedules for Monday. Citing hazardous road conditions from heavy rain and localized flooding, officials in Columbus and Bladen counties announced a series of delayed openings and shifts to remote learning to ensure public safety.
Key Takeaways
- A coastal storm led to operational changes for schools and government offices in Columbus and Bladen counties.
- Affected institutions include Southeastern Community College, Whiteville City Schools, and others.
- Changes range from two-hour delays to a full switch to remote instruction for students.
- Officials have strongly advised residents to avoid travel due to dangerous, flooded road conditions.
Columbus County Adjusts Operations
In Columbus County, educational institutions made proactive decisions to protect students and staff from the severe weather. The storm's impact on local infrastructure and travel safety was a primary concern for administrators.
Higher Education and K-12 Changes
Southeastern Community College announced it would operate on a two-hour delay. The college planned to open its doors at 10:00 a.m., giving commuters extra time to navigate potentially unsafe roads Monday morning.
Whiteville City Schools transitioned to a remote learning day for all students. While students were instructed to learn from home, staff members were required to report to work on a two-hour delay. This hybrid approach aimed to maintain instructional continuity while prioritizing student safety.
Similarly, the Columbus Career and College Academy also moved to a remote instruction model for the day, canceling all in-person classes.
Scheduled Day Off for Columbus County Schools
Notably, the broader Columbus County Schools district was not directly impacted by the storm-related closures. According to the academic calendar, the district had a previously scheduled teacher conference day, meaning students were already not expected to attend classes on Monday.
Government Services Also Delayed
The operational adjustments were not limited to the education sector. Columbus County Government offices also implemented a delayed start to the workday.
Offices were scheduled to open at 10:00 a.m. Officials stated this delay was necessary to allow road conditions to improve and to give county crews time to assess any damage or clear hazards caused by the storm overnight.
"Officials urge people to stay off the roads," was the clear message communicated to residents throughout the region as the storm moved through.
Bladen County Implements Precautionary Delay
Neighboring Bladen County also experienced the effects of the storm, leading to precautionary measures at one local school.
Emereau: Bladen, a charter school in the county, announced it would operate on a one-hour delay. The school cited the significant amount of standing water on local roads as the reason for the change.
According to the school's announcement, car drop-off for students was set to begin at 8:30 a.m., an hour later than the usual time. This adjustment provided an extra window of daylight for safer travel.
The Danger of Flooded Roads
Driving through flooded roads is a leading cause of weather-related fatalities. According to the National Weather Service, it takes just 12 inches of fast-moving water to carry away a small car, and two feet of water can move most vehicles, including SUVs and pickups.
Prioritizing Safety Amid Inclement Weather
The decisions made by school and government leaders across the Cape Fear region underscore a commitment to public safety. By delaying openings or shifting to remote operations, they aimed to minimize the number of people traveling during the storm's most intense period.
These adjustments are common in coastal regions of North Carolina, which frequently face disruptions from tropical systems and powerful coastal lows, especially during the fall. The coordination between different public entities helps create a unified response to protect the community.
Residents were advised to monitor local news and official alerts for any further updates on road conditions and public service operations as the storm system exits the area.
