News Summary
Middle Tennessee schools, including Cheatham and Robertson County Schools, announced closures and delayed starts due to extreme cold and a significant flu outbreak. With temperatures dropping and snow expected, districts prioritize student safety. The National Weather Service warns of hazardous conditions, and residents are advised to remain informed about ongoing updates as storm impacts grow. Daycare services vary by county, with travel and transport potentially affected. As areas tackle the winter weather, monitoring official channels for news is crucial.
Nashville, TN – Multiple school districts in Middle Tennessee have announced closures and delayed start times for Friday, February 21, due to extreme cold weather and a significant flu outbreak. As lingering cold temperatures persist following a recent winter storm, authorities have prioritized student health and safety in their decisions.
Cheatham and Robertson County Schools were among the first to declare closures on Thursday afternoon, responding to the severe weather conditions. Dickson County Schools also announced a shutdown for the day, citing a high number of flu cases reported within the school community. Currently, Tennessee ranks fourth in the nation for flu activity according to data from Walgreens, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) flagging the state for experiencing high flu levels.
Weather Conditions and Effects
The weather forecast for the region predicts ongoing challenges as a highly impactful winter storm is expected to move into Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky early Friday morning. Snow is set to begin falling in the western parts of Middle Tennessee between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., spreading eastward throughout the morning hours. In Nashville and along Interstate 65, residents can expect snow to start between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m., while the Cumberland Plateau should see snowfall beginning from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Steady snowfall is predicted to continue throughout the afternoon, with potentially heavy bands of snow causing further complications. Forecasts indicate total snow accumulation of approximately 4 to 6 inches for most parts of Middle Tennessee. The National Weather Service has issued a cold weather advisory, warning of dangerously low temperatures and advising residents to dress appropriately to protect themselves, vulnerable individuals, pets, and plumbing from the extreme cold. Wind chill values are expected to drop between zero and 7 degrees, making it essential for residents to take precautions.
Impact on Daycare and Transportation
Cheatham County’s extended daycare program will operate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; however, all extra-curricular activities and community use of school facilities are canceled for the day. Conversely, daycare services in Robertson County will be closed as announced by the Schools Director. Road conditions are anticipated to deteriorate rapidly due to the snowfall, which may impact travel times and lead to delays or cancellations at local airports.
Ongoing Monitoring and Updates
The list of school closures and delays will continue to be updated as more announcements arise throughout the region. Parents, students, and staff are encouraged to monitor official communications for the latest information, as weather conditions may change rapidly.
This week, parts of Tennessee have already experienced several inches of rain and storm damage, raising concerns for flooding in the coming days. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for portions of Middle Tennessee that will remain in effect until 7 a.m. on Sunday, further complicating the situation.
Residents are strongly advised to remain vigilant and prepared as Middle Tennessee navigates through these harsh weather conditions amidst a significant flu outbreak.
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Additional Resources
- FOX 17 News
- Wikipedia: School Closure
- The Tennessean
- Google Search: Nashville school closures
- WSMV News
- Google Scholar: Nashville school closures
- News Channel 5
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closures
- The Tennessean – Weather Closures
- Google News: Nashville area school closures
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