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Due to predicted severe conditions from Hurricane Helene, all Harris County School District (HCSD) operations are canceled for Thursday, Sept. 26, and Friday, Sept. 27.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), Harris County is expected to experience significant impacts from this powerful storm. The major effects are expected to begin early Thursday morning and continue throughout the next 48 hours.

Superintendent Justin Finney stated, “Given the severity of the forecast, including the risk of heavy rainfall, high winds, and flooding, it would be unsafe for us to proceed with school operations. We are under both a Tropical Storm Warning and a Flood Warning, with predictions of 6 to 10 inches of rain, sustained winds of 40 mph, and gusts up to 60 mph. School buses cannot operate safely in these conditions, and the risk of downed trees and power lines further complicates safe travel.”

“The decision to close schools was made out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our staff, students, and families, as well as to support local emergency services,” Finney emphasized.

As the situation develops and further decisions are made, the district will share updates* through the following channels:

• HCSD call, email, and/or text for those properly registered
• Email to all HCSD faculty and staff
• HCSD Facebook Page (Harris County School District – GA)
• HCSD website (www.harris.k12.ga.us)
• Media releases to local outlets

Additionally, this week’s varsity football game is being rescheduled, and the new date and time will be announced once finalized.

Finney added, “We urge everyone to stay informed by monitoring weather forecasts and district updates. We will provide additional information as needed. Please stay safe and take this storm seriously.”