School changes, delays due to Wednesday possible severe weather

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Due to a forecast of possible severe weather on Wednesday, many schools are changing their schedules.

According to officials, there is a possibility of sustained winds between 36 to 46 miles per hour, and wind gusts reaching up to 75 miles per hour.

ORANGEBURG COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT:

All schools in the district will be closed on Wednesday, March 5, to ensure the safety of students, staff, and families, according to the district.

Additionally, all athletic events and extracurricular activities scheduled for March 5 are postponed.

LEXINGTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT ONE:

All schools in the district will be closed on Wednesday, March 5, due to the possible impacts of severe weather conditions.

Afternoon extracurricular activities will proceed as scheduled, according to district officials.

Also, employees should report to work at 10 a.m. and professional development activities scheduled for the afternoon will proceed as planned.

LEXINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT FOUR:

Students and staff in the district will report to school on a two-hour delay due to the forecast calling for possible strong winds on Wednesday, March 5.

District officials say students and staff should report two hours later than usual, and the remainder of the day will proceed on a normal schedule.

LEXINGTON-RICHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT FIVE:

Due to the National Weather Service forecasting severe weather on Wednesday, March 5, all schools, offices, and the virtual FIVE program will operate on a 2-hour delay.

Due to the forecast for strong wind gusts in the morning, Richland One will operate on a two-hour delayed start schedule tomorrow (Wednesday, March 5).

According to the district, students should report to school two hours later than their normal start times.

Breakfast will not be served to students on Wednesday due to the delayed start, but lunch will be served.

Also, afterschool programs, activities and events will proceed as normal.

Under the two-hour delayed start, the adjusted school start times are 9:30 a.m. for elementary schools; 10:45 a.m. for middle schools; and 10 a.m. for high schools.

The district says students who ride the bus to school should report to their bus stops two hours later than normal.

RICHLAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT TWO:

Based on weather forecasts predicting severe weather, including high winds, Richland Two schools will operate on a two-hour delay on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

A two-hour delay means:

• Students who ride the bus should report to their bus stops two hours later than usual
• Car-riders should report to their schools two hours later than usual
• Unless otherwise notified, employees should report to work two hours later than usual

LEXINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT TWO:

Due to forecasts of possible high winds that could make early morning school travel hazardous, and in an abundance of caution, Lexington Two schools will operate on a two-hour delayed start on Wednesday, March 5, according to officials.

The district says students and staff should arrive two hours later than the normal morning start time.

Buses will operate two hours later than their normal operation times.

As a result of the delayed start, all 3K half-day child development classes are cancelled.

While Wednesday’s classes will start two hours later than the normal schedule, afternoon dismissal will be at the normal time.

All after-school activities will go on as scheduled Wednesday afternoon.

LEXINGTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT THREE:

Due to forecasted severe weather expected to impact the Midlands on Wednesday, March 5, Lexington County School District Three will shift to an eLearning Day.

Severe weather is anticipated in the area on Wednesday, between 5 a.m. and 11 a.m., that will directly affect Lexington Three’s scheduled Early Release Day, say officials.

All after-school events including sports practices, sports games, meetings, adult education classes, etc. scheduled for Wednesday, March 5th are cancelled.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT:

Schools in the district will operate on a 3-hour delay due to expected strong wind gusts tomorrow morning (Wednesday, March 5).

Winds are expected to reach up to 50 mph but are expected to subside by 9:30 a.m. with the storm primarily affecting the coast of South Carolina, according to the district.

ORANGEBURG-CALHOUN TECHNICAL COLLEGE:

Due to the inclement weather forecast for our area, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College will open at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5.