News Summary
On Friday, multiple school districts in Middle Tennessee announced closures and delays due to severe cold temperatures and widespread flu activity. Cheatham County and Robertson County Schools are among those affecting operations, with safety as a priority for students and staff. A powerful winter storm is expected to bring significant snowfall, raising concerns for travel safety. Residents are advised to stay informed and prepare for further disruptions as authorities monitor the situation.
Middle Tennessee Schools Close or Delay Operations Due to Severe Cold and Flu Outbreaks
Middle Tennessee is experiencing significant disruptions to school schedules on Friday, February 21, as multiple districts announce closures and delays driven by extreme cold temperatures and widespread flu activity. These measures aim to ensure student and staff safety amid challenging weather and health conditions.
School Closures and Delay Announcements
Several school districts, including Cheatham County Schools and Robertson County Schools, were among the first to release closures on Thursday afternoon. Cheatham County Schools will operate an extended daycare program from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; however, this will exclude extracurricular activities and access to community facilities. In contrast, Robertson County schools will close their daycares entirely on Friday, following directives from their Schools Director.
Additionally, Dickson County Schools announced closure due to a high number of flu cases. The rising flu activity has significantly impacted school populations across the region, leading to precautionary shutdowns or delays.
Health Concerns and Flu Activity
Data from Walgreens indicates Tennessee ranks fourth nationally for flu activity levels. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has highlighted Tennessee as experiencing high flu activity, which has contributed to increased absences in schools and pressure on local healthcare facilities.
Forecast: Winter Storm and Snowfall Expectations
Starting early Friday morning, a powerful winter storm is projected to affect Middle Tennessee and parts of Southern Kentucky. Snowfall is expected to begin in the western regions of Middle Tennessee between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., gradually moving eastward throughout the morning hours.
Major cities such as Nashville and areas along I-65 can expect snow starting between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m., with snow on the Cumberland Plateau beginning between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. The snow is forecast to continue steadily through the afternoon, with potential for heavy bands of snow at times.
Total accumulations are expected to range from 4 inches to 6 inches across most of Middle Tennessee, contributing to difficult driving conditions and disruptions to airport operations. Travelers are advised to prepare for deteriorating roads and delays or cancellations of flights.
Weather Alerts and Precautions
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for parts of Middle Tennessee through 7 a.m. Sunday, due to anticipated additional rain and storm damage in some regions. The region has already seen several inches of rain, exacerbating existing storm impacts and raising concerns about flooding in vulnerable areas.
In addition to winter storms, a Cold Weather Advisory has been issued, predicting wind chill values between zero and 7 degrees Friday morning. Residents are urged to dress appropriately in layers, protect exposed skin, and safeguard vulnerable populations, pets, and plumbing systems from freezing temperatures.
Additional Weather and Regional Context
Some parts of Tennessee have experienced storm damage and may face further weather-related challenges as more precipitation and cold temperatures move into the area. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and are updating public safety advisories as conditions evolve.
Summary
Overall, Middle Tennessee’s Friday operations are heavily impacted by severe winter weather and high flu activity, prompting school closures and delays to prioritize safety. Residents and travelers should stay informed about weather updates and be prepared for potential disruptions throughout the day.
School districts will continue to evaluate the situation and update the public regarding additional closures or schedule adjustments as necessary.
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Additional Resources
- FOX 17 News
- Wikipedia: School Closure
- The Tennessean
- Google Search: Nashville school closures
- WSMV News
- Google Scholar: Nashville school closures
- News Channel 5
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closures
- The Tennessean – Weather Closures
- Google News: Nashville area school closures
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
