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.
KERSHAW COUNTY:
Kershaw County School District is shifting to an e-Learning Day for Monday, March 16, as severe weather is forecasted for our area. All school buildings and offices will be closed. All Monday after school activities and sporting events are also cancelled.
The National Weather Service is predicting widespread, significant severe weather including possible damaging to destructive wind gusts, with tornadoes possible as well. Current forecasts indicate that the main window for severe weather for Kershaw County is expected to be between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The South Carolina State Department of Education advises against school buses operating during sustained wind speeds above 30 mph or when wind gusts are above 40 mph.
Middle and High School teachers will post student assignments in Canvas on Monday by 11 a.m. Since elementary students did not bring their chromebooks home, they will receive their assignments on Tuesday. Specific instructions will be communicated to students and parents from teachers and schools. All students will have five school days to complete all e-Learning assignments to be counted present.
Teachers will be working remotely on Monday, and will be available for student questions during their virtual office hours:
Elementary Schools: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Middle and High Schools: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Technology staff will be answering technology-related issues via email at esupport@kcsdschools.net.
Any further updates will be posted on our district and school websites and social media, as well as reported to local news stations. Parents and employees will also receive messages from our mass notification system.
LEE COUNTY:
Due to the forecast of severe thunderstorms expected to bring high winds and heavy rainfall across our area, Monday, March 16, 2026, has been designated as an eLearning Day for all students and staff members in the Lee County School District.
The safety of our students, employees, and families remains our top priority. In the best interest of the safety of our students, staff members, families, community, and stakeholders, the District will operate on an eLearning Day rather than in-person instruction.
All staff members are expected to remain available during normal work hours on the eLearning day. This includes regularly checking district email and responding to messages in a timely and professional manner to support students, families, colleagues, and administrators as needed. These expectations are essential to ensuring continuity of instruction and effective communication during eLearning operations.
We appreciate your patience, flexibility, and continued support as we work together to protect the well-being of our school community. Please continue to monitor the District website and social media platforms for additional updates.
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.
ORANGEBURG COUNTY:
Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) officials are closely monitoring weather conditions expected to impact Orangeburg County. Due to forecasted severe wind conditions expected across Orangeburg County tomorrow (March 16, 2026), Orangeburg County School District will observe an eLearning Day.
The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority when making decisions about school operations during inclement weather. Forecasts indicate sustained winds and gusts that can create conditions which are hazardous travel situations, particularly for high-profile vehicles such as school buses.
Strong winds can significantly impact vehicle steering and control, reduce visibility, and increase the likelihood of roadway hazards such as fallen trees and debris. In addition, the district considers the safety of novice student drivers who may face increased challenges navigating these conditions.
OCSD students should follow the eLearning procedures previously communicated by their schools.
All afterschool programs, extracurricular activities, athletic practices, and games scheduled for tomorrow are canceled due to the expected weather conditions.
OCSD will continue to monitor weather conditions and provide updates as needed through the following channels:
• District email notifications
• Robocalls
• OCSD social media channels
• Local news media
• The district website
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.
