Flood Watch and School Closures in Greenville as Hurricane Helene Approaches

Flood Watch and School Closures in Greenville Amid Hurricane Helene

Greenville is currently bracing for the impact of Hurricane Helene, with flood watches issued through Friday afternoon. Local schools and colleges are actively making adjustments in response to the potentially hazardous weather. Let’s break down what we know so far about closures and e-learning arrangements across the Upstate.

Furman University Steps Up for Safety

Furman University has reported dozens of trees down on campus due to the storm, with some buildings experiencing flooding and leaking roofs. Fortunately, there have been no injuries reported among students, faculty, or staff. According to Clinton Colmenares, the Senior Director of News and Media Strategy at Furman, heavy flooding has also impacted the broader Greenville area along with widespread power outages. The university has decided to cancel all Family Weekend activities and postpone athletic events. The campus will remain closed through Monday, with restoration crews working diligently to clear debris and make repairs.

Other Local Colleges Adjust Schedules

Like Furman, local colleges are adapting to the weather situation. Converse University has announced that it will transition to e-learning for Friday. Clemson University’s main campus is closed, and all classes scheduled for Friday have been canceled. Spartanburg Community College is also shutting down its campuses due to the storm.

Wofford College is taking precautions by moving classes online as well. The college emphasizes that staff should work remotely, except for those whose roles are essential for maintaining health and safety. While classes will not be held in person, the volleyball matches scheduled for Thursday and Friday, along with the Saturday football game, are still set to proceed.

Anderson University and School Districts on Alert

Meanwhile, Anderson University plans to operate on a normal schedule on Thursday before switching to online classes and remote work for employees on Friday. Their campus facilities will be closed to in-person activities, with essential services still available for those who remain on campus. The G. Ross Anderson, Jr. Student Center is designated as an emergency shelter, fully stocked with supplies and backup power.

Many local school districts, including District 7, have instituted an E-learning Day on Friday. The district canceled all after-school activities on Thursday and Friday due to the storm’s impact on safety. Cherokee County will keep monitoring the weather to determine if their varsity football team can still travel for their Friday game.

Continued Communication from Schools

District 4 and District 2 both announced E-learning Days for Friday as well, with all after-school activities canceled for several days. Spartanburg School District Three has similarly decided on this course, with all programs and practices also put on hold. In Anderson County, schools will observe an E-learning Day on Friday while remaining open on Thursday.

While no individual district has reported significant injuries, the message is clear: safety is the number one priority throughout the Upstate. Everyone is encouraged to stay tuned for real-time updates from their respective districts and institutions, particularly as schools evaluate their buildings and resources in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Community Preparedness Is Key

As we await further developments from Hurricane Helene, it is essential for everyone in the community to remain vigilant. Preparing for rain—a projected 10 inches could fall in Greenville—means being aware of your surroundings, staying updated on the weather, and reaching out to neighbors and friends to ensure they are safe.

Let’s all keep each other uplifted and safe during this challenging weather event, while staying informed and aware of any changes to schedules that arise as a result of Hurricane Helene. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation unfolds!