Schools to close early Thursday due to weather threat

Public and private schools in Wayne County will close early Thursday due to the threat of severe weather coming through the area.

Wayne Academy's elementary school classes will dismiss at 11:45 a.m. Thursday while middle school and high school classes will dismiss at 12 p.m.

All students in the Wayne County School District will dismiss at 12:30 p.m. Thursday.

The threat of severe weather is expected to come through the area Thursday afternoon, and school officials want to make sure all bus routes are completed and students, teacher and staff are all safely away from facilities.

Strong winds, heavy rain and lightning are expected for the area as the front rolls through. School officials were in contact with the Wayne County Emergency Management Agency Wednesday afternoon and made the decision to close early.

Residents are reminded to take precautions as the system comes to the area, as driving conditions could become challenging. Residents should also secure any loose outdoor items so that wind doesn't pick it up and blow it into structures.

Be sure and stay tuned to your weather alert radio or local forecasts for updates and any warnings that may be issued on Thursday.