Eastern North Carolina can be affected by all forms of adverse weather including hurricanes and tropical storms, severe thunderstorms including tornadic storms, and significant winter weather events. Any of these can affect the school schedule.
When considering altering the school schedule due to adverse weather conditions, a number of factors are considered to ensure the safety and well-being of students, staff, and families. The process typically involves coordination between district administrators, local authorities, and weather experts. Here's an overview of the major factors that guide the decision-making process:
Weather Forecasts
School district officials closely monitor weather forecasts, primarily from the National Weather Service. They look for indicators like snowstorms, icy conditions, severe weather, heavy rain, or high winds that could make travel unsafe.
Local Authorities
Onslow County Schools regularly communicates with local authorities, including police, emergency services, and county officials, to assess the broader impact of the weather. If major roads are closed, if there predicted or current power outages, these conditions may lead to a decision to cancel or delay school.
Evaluating Road Conditions
Transporting students safely is a major concern. This includes checking for ice and snow accumulation, flooding, or other hazards that could make driving dangerous for school buses and personal vehicles of staff and families.
Assessing the Impact on School Facilities
In addition to road conditions, the school buildings themselves need to be safe for students and staff. Power outages, frozen pipes, or structural damage caused by the weather can lead to school delays closures.
Timing of the Weather Event
Timing is often key in making the decision. Onslow County Schools will make any decisions to delay or close schools as early as is practicable to allow families and staff time to make necessary arrangements. Predicted afternoon severe weather events may influence early closures.
Once a decision is made, district staff works quickly to notify families and staff of schedule changes. These changes may be communicated via automated calls, text messages, emails, the district website, social media, and local media outlets.
In all these steps, the primary concern is the safety of everyone involved. Adverse weather is unpredictable, so school decisions are based on the best information available at the time, and the goal is always to prioritize the safety of students and staff.
