Columbia Braces for Hurricane Helene: Schools Shift to Online Learning and Community Prepares for Impact

Columbia Prepares for Hurricane Helene

Columbia is bracing itself for the impact of Hurricane Helene, which is set to bring rain, wind, and possibly tornadoes to the region. The storm, categorized as a Category 2 hurricane, is currently moving north in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to make landfall on Florida’s Big Bend coastline. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for most of the Midlands until 9 p.m. on September 26, paired with a tropical storm warning.

School Districts Shift to Online Learning

University of South Carolina announced that it would transition classes to an online format starting at 5 p.m. on September 26, continuing through September 27. Other districts are following suit to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Richland One has opted to move classes online for September 27 and will close schools and offices as well as cancel all after-school events and activities on September 26. Similarly, Richland Two will close its schools on September 27, also canceling after-school activities for the 26th.

Meanwhile, Lexington One and Lexington Two will also switch to online classes, with both districts suspending extracurricular activities until at least 3 p.m. on September 27. It’s worth mentioning that Lexington Three schools were already set to be closed that day because of a holiday, which makes their scheduling slightly easier. Last but not least, Lexington Four and Lexington-Richland Five will follow the trend of online classes on September 27, putting safety first for everyone involved.

Community Takes Precautions

Gentleman’s Closet, preparing for potential flooding situations that could arise as the storm progresses. The community is always stronger together, and these proactive steps illustrate just that.

Weather Outlook

As we move into the night, showers are expected to develop after midnight, with a 50% chance of rain. The temperature will drop to a low of 68°F, and winds should remain light and variable. It’s definitely a night to stay indoors, with coffee or tea in hand, and perhaps catch up on some online learning or wind down with a good book as the storm rolls in.

Preparing for the Worst