The threat of severe thunderstorms, high winds and potentially hail has the school systems in Orange, Chatham and Durham counties changing plans on Friday.
Durham Public Schools announced around 10:30 a.m. they would be ending classes two hours earlier than normal because of the weather forecast, with all after-school activities being canceled as well.
Due to forecasts of a risk of severe storms and dangerous winds this afternoon, all DPS schools will dismiss two hours early today, Friday, May 6. All after-school programs and extracurricular activities are canceled. pic.twitter.com/PYPijvwPJU
— Durham Public Schools (@DurhamPublicSch) May 6, 2022
Not long after, the two Orange County school districts and Chatham County Schools announced they would also cancel after-school programs, athletic events and extracurriculars due to the impending storm. Both Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Orange County Schools, however, will still release at their normal times. Chatham County Schools will do the same.
Schools will dismiss at their usual times today, but due to the threat of severe weather, all CHCCS afterschool and evening athletics, activities and events on Friday, May 6, are being cancelled or will be rescheduled. This includes community usage of school facilities. pic.twitter.com/xL8DjwmCx3
— Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (@chccs) May 6, 2022
As of early Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service is forecasting storms of varying strengths to pass through central North Carolina in the late afternoon and evening hours. Possible hazards include “damaging winds, isolated tornadoes and large hail.” Orange, Durham and Chatham counties are in the forecasted path of the storm system and are expected to see rainy weather on Saturday after any storms Friday night.
Scattered strong to severe storms will develop in the highlighted zone along a warm front through 4PM. The most intense storms may produce large hail, damaging winds & isolated tornadoes. Stay weather aware & be prepared to seek shelter if a warning is issued for your area! #ncwx pic.twitter.com/xJX1PQOrQu
— NWS Raleigh (@NWSRaleigh) May 6, 2022
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