Severe Weather Forces School Closures Across Central Arkansas

News Summary

As severe weather looms over Central Arkansas, multiple school districts have announced early closures to ensure the safety of students. Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Pulaski County Special School Districts are taking precautions, dismissing students early and canceling after-school activities. With the tornado risk at its highest level, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has declared a state of emergency and allocated funds for emergency relief. Residents are urged to stay informed as heavy rain and potential flooding are also anticipated.

Severe Weather Forces School Closures Across Central Arkansas

This week, Central Arkansas is bracing for some **_serious weather_** as multiple school districts announce closures in response to warnings about severe storms and potential tornadoes. With safety on everyone’s minds, here’s the crucial information families need to know:

Little Rock School District’s Precautions

In the Little Rock School District, elementary schools will be dismissing students early, calling it a day at **_1:30 p.m._** Meanwhile, secondary schools will let out at **_2:30 p.m._** Authorities are taking these **_severe weather warnings_** seriously; if tornado sirens begin to sound, their **_shelter-in-place procedures_** will kick into effect, locking down all building doors for safety.

North Little Rock Gets Ready

Over in the North Little Rock School District, things are similarly cautious. Pre-K and elementary students will be sent home at **_noon_**, followed by middle school students at **_12:35 p.m._** The high school crowd will see dismissal at **_1:05 p.m._**, and central office staff will finish their day by **_1:30 p.m._** On a related note, all after-school activities such as care, athletic events, and practices have been canceled. Bus drivers will be taking students straight to their usual bus stops to ensure everyone gets home safely.

Pulaski County Special School District’s Early Dismissal

The Pulaski County Special School District is also joining in on the early dismissal wave. Their elementary students will be heading out at **_12:30 p.m._**, while secondary schools get out at **_1:30 p.m._** It is important to note that lunches will be provided before students leave. For those who work in offices, district staff may end their workday by **_2 p.m._**

Updates from Other Districts

Further afield, the Batesville School District has decided to close down at **_1:15 p.m._**, with no after-school activities planned for the day. Meanwhile, Bryant Public Schools plans to start dismissals at **_1:40 p.m._**

Facing the Storm: A State of Emergency

The severe weather is no small deal. The **_National Weather Service_** has upgraded the tornado risk in Arkansas to **_a five out of five_**, which is the highest level possible. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has declared a **_state of emergency_**, and has even allocated a total of **_$250,000_** from the Governor’s Disaster Response and Recovery Fund to provide emergency relief where it’s needed.

Heavy Rain and Flooding Ahead

As part of this storm system, residents are also cautioned about heavy rains and potential **_flooding_**. The northeast part of Arkansas is bracing for some intense forecasts, with possibilities of **_10 to 15 inches of rain_** in the next few days. Areas like Jonesboro, Searcy, and Mountain View could see about **_8 to 10 inches_**, while Little Rock, Pine Bluff, and Hot Springs might receive a solid **_6 to 8 inches_** of rainfall.

Stay Safe and Informed

As everyone prepares for the upcoming weather, safety remains the top priority. All families are encouraged to stay updated on local alerts, keep safe, and take precautionary measures. With the community coming together during these challenging times, we hope that everyone stays safe and sound!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• KARK: Central Arkansas Schools Closing Due to Expected Severe Weather
• Wikipedia: Severe Weather
• THV11: Live Updates Severe Weather Arkansas
• Google Search: Severe Weather Arkansas
• Arkansas Advocate: Governor Declares State of Emergency
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Storm
• KARK: Live Updates Arkansas Severe Weather
• Google News: Arkansas Flooding
• KATV: Arkansas Schools Announce Early Dismissal