Columbia, SC Declares State of Emergency as Hurricane Helene Approaches

Columbia, SC Prepares for Hurricane Helene

Columbia, South Carolina is bracing for the potential impact of Hurricane Helene, as Governor Henry McMaster has declared a State of Emergency for the area. Forecasters from the National Hurricane Center have indicated that the hurricane, presently located in the Gulf of Mexico, is likely to strengthen and make its way toward the Florida coastline on Thursday, September 26. Local residents are advised to stay informed and prepared as the storm approaches.

School Districts Respond to the Storm

In anticipation of the hurricane’s arrival, many schools in the region have announced adjustments to their schedules. This includes cancels of after-school activities and comprehensive shifts to an e-learning format for students.

Thursday, September 26, will see the cancellation of all after-school childcare programs and adult learning classes. By Friday, September 27, all schools and offices will be closed to the public as students transition to e-learning activities. Teachers will provide assignments through online platforms like Google Classroom by 10:00 a.m. on Friday, allowing students to engage in asynchronous learning from home.

Quick Rundown of Affected Educational Activities:

• Thursday, September 26: After-school activities and care canceled
• Friday, September 27: e-learning day for all students; no in-person attendance
• Friday, September 27: All extracurricular activities suspended until 3 p.m.
• Friday, September 27: Breakfast will be sent home with students on Thursday

Students are required to complete their assignments by Friday, October 3, to ensure they are marked present for the day. The school authorities are committed to providing flexibility for those impacted by power outages, giving students an extended timeframe to turn in their work.

Community Libraries and Government Offices

In addition to educational institutions, local libraries and government offices are also adjusting their operations. For example, the Richland Library system will close early on Thursday, September 26, at 5:30 p.m. and will reopen at noon on Friday. Residents can still access library resources online during this time.

The Richland County Government offices will also close on Friday, September 27, but residents will still be able to manage certain services through online portals.

Sports and Extracurricular Activities

With the storm looming, sports events are undergoing scheduling changes as well. The Richland One varsity football games that were initially set for Thursday and Friday have been moved to Saturday, September 28, allowing student athletes the chance to participate after the storm passes.

Despite the disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene, school officials have noted that weather conditions are expected to clear by Friday afternoon, which may allow extracurricular activities to resume as scheduled after 3 p.m., unless stated otherwise.

Staying Prepared

As Hurricane Helene approaches, the community is encouraged to stay updated with local news and official announcements. It’s essential to prepare for possible emergencies, secure your homes, and look out for each other during this time. With e-learning in place and community resources adapting, Columbia residents are working together to navigate the storm.