Some Ky. schools, including one in Lexington, cancel classes Friday for Hurricane Helene

Several Kentucky school districts, including a private school in Lexington, canceled in-person classes Friday as Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall in Florida and drench much of the southeastern U.S.

Rain was expected to move into Lexington around 8 p.m. Friday and continue until early next week. Some parts of Kentucky may receive 2-4 inches of rain by the end of the weekend.

Lexington Christian Academy and Harrison County Schools canceled classes altogether on Friday.

Dan Koett, spokesperson for LCA, said Friday was an “inclement weather day,” and Harrison County said in a statement that the area is prone to flooding in low-lying areas and projected to experience “extremely high winds” on Friday.

The University of Louisville also announced that classes were canceled and offices would be closed on Friday.

Among the school districts that canceled in-person classes and moved to remote learning were Floyd County, Bell County, Rowan County, Middlesboro Independent, Lewis County and Lawrence County.

Harlan County also canceled in-person classes, but it was not immediately clear if it would move to remote learning.

Fayette Superintendent Demetrus Liggins said shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday that the district has “no plans” to cancel classes at FCPS schools.

In Harlan County, the district said in a social media post: “Substantial rain has fallen in the area, causing creeks to rise. Significant rain is expected, prompting a flood watch throughout the area as the remnants of Hurricane Helene move through tonight and Friday.

“We are also under a high wind warning, with winds expected to reach 60 miles per hour. The safety of our students continues to be our top priority,” the post said. “We appreciate your understanding the decision to close on Friday.”

In Bell County, the district posted on social media: “Due to the warning of dangerous weather, Bell County Schools will operate remotely.”

This story was originally published September 26, 2024 at 5:46 PM.