Schools Closing Out of Precaution for School Bus Safety Due to Wind Advisory

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County School Superintendent Brian Alexander has announced that all Edmonson County schools will be closed for Friday, January 12, 2024 due to a wind advisory that was issued by the National Weather Service today.

The NWS is predicting winds over 50mph beginning overnight and carrying on throughout the day on Friday. Gusts are expected to be upwards of 65mph.

"I just don't feel comfortable having school buses out during the high winds that are being forecast," Alexander said. "I know different school systems do things differently, but I have always said that student safety comes first and I feel this is the best decision for tomorrow."

Mr. Alexander said school officials attended a webinar today with the NWS, who advised extreme caution with high-profile vehicles.

The 2024 ECHS basketball homecoming is scheduled for Friday night, and is still scheduled to take place, according to Alexander; however, he said he would leave the final decision of the games and festivities to Whitesville-Trinity, who will be traveling to ECHS tomorrow. That decision will likely be announced sometime tomorrow.

Mr. Alexander also said students will use NTI day #3 on Friday.

According to the KY Department of Transportation, District 3, which includes Edmonson County,  crews are preparing for a multiple-phase weather system that is expected to move through the District 3 area and the rest of the state beginning overnight tonight. Rain with strong winds is expected overnight with single-digit temperatures with possible snow Sunday and Monday. Heavy rain is also expected throughout the day on Friday.

KYTC District 3 also stated that the strong winds Friday could cause issues for vehicles, particularly large vehicles, along with wet travel conditions.

Beginning Sunday into Monday a Winter Weather System may bring some snow and slick travel to the area. Temperatures are expected to reach single digits Sunday night. Motorists should be aware of possible hazardous driving conditions, but also bitterly cold temperatures. Motorists are encouraged to use slower speeds, leave plenty of space between vehicles, be cautious in braking, and keep updated on weather forecasts.

District 3 crews expect to begin anti-icing operations on roadways Saturday. Crews are prepared to respond to any winter weather that is expected Sunday and Monday.