After Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida and began sweeping north on Wednesday afternoon, the Chatham County Schools system alerted its families that classes would not happen on Thursday to err on the side of safety.

A message to CCS families was sent at 5:08 p.m., saying the district’s leadership has been in touch with local weather experts after the storm made landfall and began to decrease in power.

“After consulting with the Raleigh National Weather Service,” wrote Chatham County Schools, “we have been told to expect minor-to-moderate impacts from the storm including rain and wind gusts in the morning that could make travel hazardous. While not directly in the projected path of this storm, out of an abundance of caution, Chatham County Schools will be closed for all students and staff on Thursday, August 31. All extracurricular activities and evening events are also cancelled.”

The district, which is in its first week of classes for the academic year, said it will provide further updates to families through email, social media, and its website if necessary.

Meanwhile, the neighboring Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools district sent families a message Wednesday saying it is keeping a close eye on Hurricane Idalia and its movements into North Carolina — but that it plans to “operate on a normal schedule” for Thursday. Andy Jenks, the Chief Communications Officer for CHCCS, said any effects the storm or inclement weather has on extracurricular activities and events will be communicated later.

“Schools have already been directed to prepare for the weather by securing outdoor items that have the potential to be moved or carried by high winds,” wrote Jenks. “Schools have also been directed to request and coordinate any further assistance through the CHCCS Operations team.”

97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck spoke with the National Weather Service in Raleigh on Wednesday morning to get an early forecast of how the Triangle would be affected by Hurricane Idalia. To listen to that conversation, click here.

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