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School closings announced after severe storms in north Georgia

By FOX 5 Atlanta Digital Team
Updated  May 9, 2024 5:53pm EDT
Severe Weather
FOX 5 Atlanta

Thursday afternoon forecast

The FOX 5 Storm Team is continuing to track a severe storm threat to north Georgia. Here's a look at the timing, intensity, and when these storms will move out.

Several school systems in Georgia were closed on Thursday after a round of severe weather brought heavy rains and wind to the Peach State.

The FOX 5 Storm Team has been tracking a severe weather threat since late Wednesday evening.

Officials are asking drivers to exercise caution and stay safe.

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Gilmer County Schools closed Friday

Officials with Gilmer County Schools say classes will be canceled on Friday. Staff are being asked to report on a 2-hour delay if it is safe to do so. Staff should contact their supervisor for further information. 

SKYFOX 5 flew over Gilmer County on Thursday afternoon and spotted extensive storm damage with debris scattered across the area.

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Severe storms leave behind damage in Gilmer County on May 9, 2024.  (FOX 5)

Georgia school closures on Thursday

Habersham County Schools said that all schools will be closed for students and staff on Thursday due to road conditions and power outages.

"Severe storms appear to have hit Habersham County hard overnight," a spokesperson for the Habersham County School District wrote on its website.

School officials say after evaluating road conditions, they determined it was unsafe for its buses and student drivers.

Whitfield County Schools are also closed due to dangerous flooding and blocked roads.

Gilmer County Schools originally announced that they would operate on a two-hour delay, but have since decided to close schools for the day.

Georgia school delays on Thursday

Dade County Schools also announced a two-hour delay out of an abundance of caution.

Walker County Schools are also delaying classes for two hours due to severe weather.

Georgia schools moving to virtual classes on Thursday

Union County Schools say power outages have caused them to change Woody Gap Schools to an online learning day. The Blairsville Campus remains open. The school system said anyone experiencing impacts from the power outages or road conditions will have an excused tardy or absence.