Severe Weather: Cartersville, Bartow Make Decisions On After-School Activities

CARTERSVILLE, GA -- The severe weather expected to roll into metro Atlanta Wednesday afternoon and evening has forced north Georgia school districts to cancel classes and activities, and the Bartow County and Cartersville City school systems are no exception.

Both districts announced that they will cancel all after-school activities for students for March 1.

"This cancellation is the result of possible severe storms coming into our area today, and the need to keep our staff and students safe," Cartersville City Schools said on its Facebook page, adding it will also cancel after-school programs.

Bartow County schools stated it will continue with elementary after-school care as scheduled, according to its Facebook page.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Bartow County until 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 1.

According to the agency, the risk for severe weather across north and central Georgia will pick up this afternoon and evening as a cold front moves through the area. Thunderstorms are expected to develop after 2 p.m. across extreme northwest Georgia, and a "more organized line of storms will move southeast between 4 p.m. and midnight tonight."

"Damaging winds will be the primary threat; however, a few storms will be capable of producing tornadoes and large hail," NWS states. "Locally heavy rain and frequent cloud to ground lightning with the strong winds
are expected to affect a large area of north and central Georgia."

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