[Source – nbcboston.com]
In anticipation of strong wind gusts from Hurricane Helene’s impact, public schools across Northwest Florida will be closed on Thursday. This includes schools in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties, where both classes and extracurricular activities have been canceled. District offices will also remain closed for the day, with all three counties aiming to resume normal operations by Friday.
Santa Rosa Superintendent Karen Barber explained that the decision to close schools was made in response to the potential threat of dangerous wind conditions. “We’re going to make sure our buses are not on the roads if there’s a possibility of gusts at 45 miles per hour or more,” said Barber. She further noted that the school district had been in close communication with the National Weather Service to assess the risk and make an informed decision.
School maintenance crews have been working diligently to secure campuses, tying down loose items, and making necessary preparations to safeguard buildings from potential damage.
Precautions at Military Bases
Military installations in Northwest Florida are also taking precautions as Hurricane Helene’s impact intensifies. Bases including Hurlburt Field, Eglin Air Force Base, and NAS Pensacola have moved to a heightened state of readiness, operating with only “mission essential staff” until the storm passes. Non-essential personnel are not required to report to work until Friday, allowing for reduced staffing as the region prepares for possible severe weather conditions.
The decision to scale back operations was made to ensure the safety of military personnel and maintain essential services while minimizing risk. As the hurricane approaches, base officials remain vigilant and continue to monitor the situation closely.
Community Preparedness and Safety Advice
Local officials are urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions during the storm. Superintendent Barber emphasized the importance of monitoring weather updates from reliable sources, such as the National Weather Service. “Stay safe, stay indoors if there’s inclement weather, and we will see you bright and early Friday morning,” she advised.
Escambia and Okaloosa county officials echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of staying alert and following weather advisories. With schools and military bases scaling back operations, the region is bracing for the potential impacts of Hurricane Helene, and residents are encouraged to remain cautious until the storm passes.