The Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) will remain open this Thursday, September 26, despite the threat posed by Hurricane Helene, which is approaching the Florida coast.
The school district has taken several preventive measures to ensure the safety of students and staff, as weather conditions are expected to deteriorate throughout the day due to the storm.
The official statement from M-DCPS states that all outdoor activities have been moved to indoor spaces in the educational centers.
Outdoor sports events have been canceled, while extracurricular programs and after-school care will continue to operate, but also in indoor spaces. Evening classes will not be affected and will take place as planned.
Preventive measures in Miami-Dade schools
Miami-Dade County is working closely with the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Office of Emergency Management. They are closely monitoring the trajectory data of Hurricane Helene to adjust their plans based on the evolution of the weather phenomenon.
Decisions regarding possible school closures in Florida will be made in consultation with these entities, and the safety of students and school personnel will be prioritized at all times.
One of the main concerns is the possibility of sustained strong winds. If they reach or exceed 35 miles per hour (mph), school bus service will be suspended immediately. This measure is designed to avoid any risk in the transportation of students.
Impact of Hurricane Helene in South Florida
Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall at some point along the Gulf Coast of Florida on Thursday night. However, its impact is expected to be felt across the state long before its arrival.
South Florida, including the Miami-Dade area, will be affected by heavy rains and winds that could cause localized flooding and power outages.
Monroe and Broward counties take drastic measures
This Thursday morning, the hurricane is expected to strengthen and its outer bands will begin to hit the southern part of the state.
The schools in Monroe will be closed in response to the forecast of sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph in the Lower and Middle Keys, and 25 to 35 mph in the Upper Keys, from Islamorada to Ocean Reef.
The Broward Schools also announced the closure of all educational centers this Thursday, which includes the suspension of extracurricular activities and after-school care services.
Continuous preparations in Miami-Dade
Despite the fact that Miami-Dade Schools will not close their doors this Thursday, school authorities urge parents, students, and staff to stay alert for weather updates and any changes in the situation.
M-DCPS will continue to work with local and national authorities to make informed decisions in the coming hours, based on the evolution of the hurricane.
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