School closures/eLearning announced for Monday due to potential severe weather

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Midlands schools are determining whether classes will be cancelled or online on Monday due to potential severe weather across communities.

LEXINGTON ONE: 

Lexington One will switch to eLearning on Monday, March 16 due to the forecast for severe weather. All after-school events and activities are canceled and campuses are closed for the day.

The big picture: The National Weather Service is predicting widespread, significant severe weather on Monday. Damaging (60 mph) to destructive (75+ mph) wind gusts are expected, with tornadoes possible as well. Some strong tornadoes (EF2+) are possible. Current forecasts indicate that the main window for severe hazards is expected to be between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

What to know: To help your student with eLearning, click here to review the district’s eLearning guidelines and directions. Students will have five days to complete all eLearning assignments. Additional information will also be shared later today.

Note for employees: Employees should work from home, unless notified otherwise by your supervisor.

LEXINGTON TWO: 

With weather forecasts calling for severe weather and high winds in the Midlands, and in an abundance of caution,  Lexington Two will close all schools and offices on Monday, March 16.

All afternoon and evening activities are also canceled on Monday, including athletic events, extracurricular activities, after-school programs, and adult education classes.

The National Weather Service is predicting damaging to destructive winds, possibly as high as 60-75 mph,  with the current timing anywhere between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. At this time, our area is at an enhanced risk for severe weather, with some parts of our forecast area expanded to a moderate risk. An enhanced risk is a 3/5 confidence level, and a moderate risk is a 4/5 confidence level.

We will communicate updates by Monday afternoon on the status of the school day for Tuesday, March 17.

We appreciate your understanding and support, as we prioritize the safety of our students, employees, and families.

LEXINGTON THREE: 

Due to the latest forecasted severe weather expected to impact the Midlands of South Carolina on Monday, March 16th, Lexington County School District Three will shift to an eLearning Day. The primary threat on Monday is damaging winds, with gusts up to 75 miles per hour possible. The National Weather Service is predicting “high-risk” weather, with dangerous tornadoes possible between 11 AM and 3 PM, directly affecting Lexington Three’s regular school day. Therefore we will shift to an eLearning Day on Monday, March 16th.

There will be no work for students to do on Monday, March 16th. Instead, students will receive their make-up eLearning assignments on Tuesday, March 17th. Students will have the option to complete their eLearning assignments on their own time. All assignments will be due by no later than Thursday, April 2nd.

All after-school events including sports practices, sports games, meetings, adult education classes, etc. scheduled for Monday, March 16th are cancelled.

RICHLAND ONE: 

According to Ilyssa Weiner with Richland One:

Richland One administrators are monitoring the weather forecast for tomorrow (Monday, March 16, 2026). The National Weather Service has not issued any severe weather watches or warnings at this time, but there is potential for conditions to develop during the day that could produce tornadoes, similar to last Thursday.

There have been no changes to school start or dismissal times or staff work schedules for Monday. Afterschool programs, events and activities also will proceed as scheduled, unless weather conditions change. However, field trips planned for Monday and all pre-K classes for students with developmental delays have been canceled.

Principals and school staff will monitor weather conditions throughout the day tomorrow and they will be prepared to implement their severe weather procedures if necessary to ensure the safety of students and staff.

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This list will be updated as more schools’ information becomes available.