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Closure announced ahead of severe weather forecast

POLK COUNTY—Polk County Schools announced today that all schools will be closed on Friday as severe weather is forecast across the area due to the effects of Hurricane Helene.

Helene is expected to make landfall in Florida as a Category 2 hurricane Thursday evening, according to the National Hurricane Center, and will likely strengthen to a Category 3 Storm.

“Given the increasing confidence in strong wind and continued heavy rain forecasts for this evening into the night and tomorrow, Polk County Schools has decided to close all schools tomorrow, Friday, September 27,” said Polk County Schools Superintendent Aaron Greene. “All afternoon and evening activities for tomorrow are canceled as well. We encourage you to monitor weather conditions near you and be safe as you travel.”

Various severe weather alerts, including a tropical storm warning and flash flood warning, are currently in effect in Polk County and the Upstate. Officials say additional rainfall from Helene will worsen the existing flood risk.

Local governments in Tryon, Saluda and Columbus have declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm. Several government offices will be closed on Friday.

Total rainfall due to the storm is expected to be ten to fifteen inches, with higher amounts possible at certain elevations.

Residents should make preparations for potential flooding, wind damage and power outages, and stay off the roads if possible.