ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A projected hurricane is on a path toward Florida and is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane.
The latest update from the National Hurricane Center takes, what could be Hurricane Helene, toward the Gulf Coast of Florida by Thursday as a major hurricane.
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Local impacts will be very dependent on what the official landfall is, so expect forecasts to evolve over the next 48 hours.
Sumter County Schools became the first district to announce it would close for the storm.
Here are the responses from Central Florida school districts ahead of the storm:
“The district will decide on any closures by noon (Wednesday).”
Lake County schools and district offices will be closed on Thursday.
After-school activities on Wednesday will continue as planned.
“We will continue to monitor the storm,” officials said. “(Wednesday), after a mid-day briefing, we will determine a plan for schools for Friday, Sept. 27.”
Marion County schools will be closed on Thursday.
“Based on the latest weather forecasts, MCPS will close Thursday for Tropical Storm Helene,” officials said. “West Port High School will open Wednesday at 2 p.m. as a shelter for special needs residents, then at 4 p.m. for general sheltering. Those seeking shelter at WPHS may bring small family pets with them. Information regarding a decision for Friday will be shared as quickly as possible. For more information on sheltering needs, call the Citizens Information Hotline at 352-369-7500.”
“In light of the approaching storm, we will be canceling or rescheduling all after-school programs and sports activities. Please note that all after-school events will conclude by 6 p.m. on Wednesday. For specific information about rescheduled events, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s school directly”
“We have made the decision to close all PCPS schools and offices on Thursday, Sept. 26, and Friday, Sept. 27.”
“OCPS is continuing to closely monitor Potential Tropical Cyclone 9, which is expected to develop into Hurricane Helene, according to the National Hurricane Center. We will be tracking the system throughout the week and provide updates as they become available.”
Sumter County
“Due to the potential hurricane, Sumter Schools will be closed on Thursday & Friday (Sept. 26-27). Any other school cancelations will be posted on our website, or communicated through our call-out system, school signs and TV/Radio media outlets.”
“Due to Tropical Storm Helene, VCS will cancel all after-school activities, except for Extended Day Enrichment Programs, on Wednesday, Sept. 25. Schools and district offices will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26. Friday’s operations, including after-school programs, remain unchanged at this time.”
Universities and Colleges
College of Central Florida (Marion campus)
The College of Central Florida will close all campuses and sites for Tropical Storm Helene.
Because of the threat of severe weather, particularly in CF’s coastal counties of Citrus and Levy, the college will close all sites, including the Ocala Campus, Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus, Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, Hampton Center, Appleton Museum and Vintage Farm, as well as online classes. Scheduled activities also have been cancelled.
The Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus and Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus both will close at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 25, to provide time to prepare for the storm. All other CF campuses and sites, including online, will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and will remain closed through Friday, Sept. 27.
The Sept. 25 District Board of Trustees meeting will be rescheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the CF Hampton Center.
The college plans to reopen Saturday morning for all business operations, weather permitting. Please continue to monitor the CF website (www.CF.edu), traditional media and social media for additional updates.
Florida State University
Florida State University announced it will close its Tallahassee campus Wednesday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Sept. 29. It expects to reopen the following Monday.
Florida A&M University
Florida A&M University said it would close Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. through Friday, Sept. 27, out of an abundance of caution.
“All academic operations will be suspended to accommodate any potential disruptions caused by the storm. All academic deans and faculty members are asked to work closely with students and provide maximum flexibility during this time.
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