Hurricane Irma: Fulton Schools Make Decision About Classes

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- The Fulton County School System will close up shop on Monday and Tuesday due to the expected impact Hurricane Irma will have on much of Georgia. The system will shutter all of its facilities, including schools and administrative offices, as well as cancel classes on Monday, Sept. 12 and Tuesday, Sept. 12.

Employees who work on a 235-day schedule should report to their work location by 10 a.m. Tuesday. All remaining staff, unless otherwise informed by their supervisor, are not to report to work, it added.

Fulton County schools note information from various sources show high winds and heavy downpours are expected to cause conditions "that could be dangerous" for school buses and other drivers working for the system. The system has also been advised of the possibility of toppled trees and power outages that can hinder the ability to reach school buildings in a safe manner.

Watch: Hurricane Irma Officially Arrives In Florida

"Superintendent Jeff Rose made the decision based upon recommendations of the FCS Weather Team, which represents staff from departments such as safety and security, transportation, facilities, academics, athletics, and communications," the system said. "During weather emergency situations, members of the team are in regular communications with the National Weather Service in Peachtree City as well as other emergency management and public safety agencies. Staff use national standards regarding forecasted sustained winds and other factors such as potential impact to transportation systems, facilities, and utilities in making a recommendation to the superintendent."

Other Fulton school closures include:

• Holy Spirit Preparatory School: closed Sept. 11
• Mount Vernon Presbyterian School: closed Sept. 11
• Holy Innocents' Episcopal School: closed closed Sept. 11
• The Weber School: closed Sept. 11
• Brandon Hall: closed Sept. 11
• The Epstein School: closed Sept. 11
• Blessed Trinity Catholic High School: closed Sept. 11-12
• Fellowship Christian School: closed Sept. 11
• The Cottage School: closed Sept. 11-12
• Fulton Science Academy Private School: closed Sept. 11
• King's Ridge Christian School: closed Sept. 11
• Woodward Academy North: closed Sept. 11
• Mt. Pisgah Christian School: closed Sept. 11
• William & Reed Academy: closed Sept. 11

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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