Schools Dismiss Early In Bucks County With Severe Storms Looming

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — With severe thunderstorms and potentially damaging winds looming on Monday, some schools in Bucks County and the nearby area have decided to dismiss students early.

Palisades School District dismissed middle and high schools at 10:50 a.m., while elementary schools in the district were let out at 12:15 p.m.

In Northampton, middle and high schoolers were let out at 12:15 p.m., while elementary students got out at 1:15 p.m.

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In Council Rock, all activities after 4 p.m. have been canceled, and while students are not being dismissed early, the district issued a special statement to families.

"We ask for your patience and flexibility during dismissal today," the district said. "Our principals and staff will prioritize keeping kids safe and will pause dismissal if we are experiencing a severe storm or have a warning that a severe storm will begin during dismissal. Therefore, buses may be delayed today and parents picking up students may need to wait a bit longer than usual."

All after school and evening activities have been canceled in other local districts as well, including Bensalem.

All eastern Pennsylvania counties remain under a hazardous weather outlook. Severe weather is expected to strike between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., with less powerful fronts lingering into the evening. Downpouring rain, hail, and isolated tornadoes are also possible.

Authorities are warning residents to prepare for the weather event and to be aware of road closures. "If you have generators, make sure they are fueled and ready to go, for if this weather does hit us, we would expect power outages with downed trees and wires," the Upper Makefield Township Police Department shared.