Schools across Baldwin County are canceling, changing, delaying and generally adapting to imminent severe weather expected to hit the area Monday night into Tuesday morning.
A weather system that is forecasted to bring strong winds, possible tornadoes and coastal flooding is heading toward Baldwin County Monday afternoon, with a first round of storms consisting of isolated and scattered thunderstorms lifting northward after 10 p.m. Monday.
Orange Beach City Schools said in a news release that the Emergency Management Agency briefed about a second round that will be a squall line moving in after 2 a.m. Tuesday and proceeding east, clearing by early morning.
Baldwin County Public Schools announced Monday morning all after-school activities are canceled for Jan. 8, including athletics.
BCPS Superintendent Eddie Tyler released this statement Monday afternoon:
"We appreciate your patience as we’ve evaluated the forecast throughout the day with our partners at Baldwin EMA and the Mobile National Weather Service Office. We have canceled all after-school activities for today except for After School Child Care.
"As for tomorrow, we understand that most of the severe weather will be after 10 p.m. with the main line moving through by 5 a.m. Due to that timing, we will start school like normal tomorrow; however, bus routes will be delayed one hour. This will give the main line more time to exit the area and give our drivers a little more time before they hit the roads. Again, if your child rides a bus, there will be a one-hour delay in pickup tomorrow.
"We know there is the possibility of debris due to the expected high winds and God forbid, tornadic activity. If your child is tardy tomorrow or does not make it in at all, those absences will be excused. If you feel like conditions aren’t safe, please do what is right for your family. We again thank you for your patience and understanding. I pray that tonight isn’t as bad as forecasted and that we all make it through safely."
Orange Beach City Schools announced at 12:30 p.m. that due to the “lack of daylight to evaluate facilities and road access,” Orange Beach Elementary School will delay the start of school until 9 a.m. Orange beach Middle/High School will begin at 9:30 a.m. Bus pick-up times will be approximately one hour and 15 minutes later than normal, according to a press release from the district. A grab-and-go breakfast will be provided.
All non-transportation employees with OBCS should report to work at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday afternoon and evening events will commence as normal.
Gulf Shores City Schools posted on Facebook around noon that all after-school athletic events and practices have bene canceled for Monday. Elementary and middle school after-school programs are not canceled. The district’s post includes a regular start time for Tuesday morning.
There will be no Baldwin County Youth Orchestra rehearsal Monday night.
