News Summary
Multiple school districts in Middle Tennessee have announced closures and delays due to extreme cold and a significant flu outbreak. Cheatham and Robertson County Schools are among those affected. The CDC has reported high flu activity in the state, while inclement weather further complicates safety. Snowfall is expected throughout the region, prompting advisories for residents to dress warmly and exercise caution. As schools adjust operations, continuous updates are essential for parents and the public to remain informed.
Nashville, Tennessee – Multiple school districts in Middle Tennessee have announced closures and delays on Friday, February 21, due to extreme cold and a significant flu outbreak affecting local schools. With lingering frigid temperatures from a winter storm that swept through the region, several districts made the decision to prioritize student safety and health.
Cheatham and Robertson County Schools were among the first to announce closures Thursday afternoon, followed by a notification from Dickson County Schools, which cited a high number of flu cases within its student population as the reason for its closure. As a critical pandemic note, Tennessee currently ranks fourth in the United States for flu activity, according to data from Walgreens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recognized the state as experiencing high flu activity, further emphasizing the urgency for schools to respond.
In addition to the closures attributed to flu cases, Middle Tennessee is also facing weather-related challenges. Following a week of severe winter conditions, regions have already reported several inches of rain and damage from storms, with additional severe weather expected. A flood watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for parts of Middle Tennessee and will remain in effect until 7 a.m. Sunday.
Weather Forecast and Impact
The National Weather Service has indicated that a winter storm will begin affecting Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky early Friday morning. Snow is forecasted to commence in the western areas of Middle Tennessee between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., later spreading eastward throughout the morning. Nashville and regions along Interstate 65 can expect snowfall to begin between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m., while areas on the Cumberland Plateau are predicted to see snow starting between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Steady snowfall is anticipated to persist throughout the afternoon, with potential heavy bands of snow leading to deteriorating road conditions. Total snow accumulations are estimated to be between 4 inches to 6 inches across much of Middle Tennessee. This increase in snow volume will likely disrupt travel plans and affect airport operations, prompting officials to recommend caution to those on the road.
Advisories and Recommendations
In light of these conditions, a Cold Weather Advisory has been declared by the National Weather Service for the area. Residents are warned that wind chill values may drop between zero and 7 degrees on Friday morning, creating hazardous conditions. As a precaution, individuals are advised to dress in layers and ensure the safety of vulnerable populations, pets, and plumbing systems against the harsh temperatures.
For families relying on school services, Cheatham County’s extended daycare will continue to operate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, although there will be no extra-curricular activities or community access to school facilities. However, daycare services in Robertson County will be closed due to the continuation of adverse conditions, as clarified in a message from the Schools Director.
Ongoing Updates
The situation remains dynamic as more school districts may announce closures or changes in operations based on the ongoing weather forecast and flu outbreak. Parents, students, and the general public are advised to stay informed through official channels for the most current information regarding school status and safety measures.
As the storm continues to develop, residents should remain vigilant and follow any further advisories released by weather authorities and local school districts.
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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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