Hurricane Irma: Atlanta Schools Roll Out Schedules

ATLANTA, GA -- The Atlanta Public Schools system will be closed on Monday, Sept. 11 due to the anticipated heavy winds and downpours Hurricane Irma is expected to bring as it rolls across Georgia. The school system is among several others that have announced plans to close up shop and cancel classes on either Monday or both Monday and Tuesday.

The system added on its website that operations for Sept. 12 will be made Monday evening after reviewing the weather and road conditions.

"Parents and guardians will be contacted as soon as any decisions are made through all available communication channels," the system noted. "APS charter schools’ parents and guardians are encouraged to contact their schools directly for scheduling information."

Other major institutions that have announced closures in Atlanta include:

• Atlanta University Center: closed Monday, Sept. 11
• The Lovett School: closed Monday, Sept. 11
• Georgia Tech: campus closed, classes cancelled Sept. 11-12
• Georgia State: campus closed, classes cancelled Monday, Sept. 11
• Emory University: campus closed, classes cancelled Monday, Sept. 11
• The Westminster Schools: closed Monday, Sept. 11
• Woodward Academy: closed Monday, Sept. 11
• Galloway School: closed Monday, Sept. 11
• Pace Academy: closed Monday, Sept. 11
• Atlanta International School: closed Monday, Sept. 11
• Marist School: closed Monday, Sept. 11; starts at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12
• Trinity School: closed Monday, Sept. 11.

Along with APS and several private schools and college institutions, all metro Atlanta school systems have announced plans to close either Monday or Monday and Tuesday.

Gov. Nathan Deal has expanded the state of emergency to included all 159 counties in the state (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app).

Hurricane Irma is sending strong winds and rain across southern Florida and expected to hit Georgia as a tropical storm Sunday night, but its westward jog has lifted some of the pressure off the Savannah area, where some mandatory evacuations were eased.

Hurricane Irma continues as a major hurricane, centered less than 100 miles southeast of Key West, Florida. Official National Hurricane Center track has Irma crossing the Lower Florida Keys early this morning and then tracking up the west coast of Florida this afternoon through Monday morning. Irma should move inland over the Florida panhandle and southwestern Georgia by Monday afternoon.

SEE ALSO:

• Hurricane Irma Preparedness Kit: What You Need To Pack
• Hurricane Irma Live Updates: Millions Flee Florida, Pets Left To Die, Landfall On Sunday

Irma will remain a powerful hurricane as it approaches the Florida Keys and moves up the west coast of Florida. As Irma moves into Central Georgia, portions of the watch area can expect tropical storm force winds beginning late Sunday night. During the day Monday, the greatest impacts will be felt with winds increasing to 40 to 50 mph with gusts as high as 70 mph along and east of the center of the storm track.

Because of the wet spring and early summer, the projected wind speeds will easily bring trees down across the area which will also lead to widespread power outages. Isolated tornadoes will be possible, especially over portions of east central Georgia. Residents should be prepared in some cases to be without power for several days and stock up on supplies accordingly. Tropical storm force winds are expected to move out of the area late Monday night.

Residents are encouraged to visit the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency website by clicking here to get details on hurricane preparedness.

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