News Summary
Multiple school districts in Middle Tennessee announced closures or delayed start times due to extreme cold and a significant flu outbreak. Cheatham and Robertson County Schools were among the first to close, with Dickson County Schools responding to increasing flu cases. Furthermore, a winter storm has prompted a flood watch and trapped residents in dangerous weather. The National Weather Service predicts significant snow accumulation and low temperatures, affecting travel and operations in the area. Daycare services remain operational in some areas despite school closures.
Middle Tennessee
Multiple school districts in Middle Tennessee will either be closed or will have delayed start times on Friday, February 21, due to extreme cold temperatures and a significant flu outbreak. The closures come after a winter storm has impacted the area this week, leading to dangerous conditions for students and staff.
Cheatham and Robertson County Schools were among the first to announce their closure on Thursday afternoon, responding to the combination of cold weather and health concerns. Additionally, Dickson County Schools is closing its doors in response to a high number of flu cases reported within its school system. Tennessee currently ranks fourth in the nation for flu activity, underscoring the severity of the health crisis in the region. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also flagged Tennessee as experiencing high flu activity.
Alongside the health concerns, Middle Tennessee has recently seen significant rain and storm damage, with more adverse weather conditions expected. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for various portions of Middle Tennessee that will remain in effect until 7 a.m. on Sunday. More precipitation is anticipated, further complicating the situation for local residents and schools.
Weather Forecast and Safety Advisories
A highly impactful winter storm is forecasted to affect Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky starting early Friday morning. Snow is expected to begin in the western parts of Middle Tennessee between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. and will gradually spread eastward throughout the morning hours. Nashville, as well as areas along Interstate 65, will likely see snow starting between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m., while the Cumberland Plateau will experience snowfall beginning between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Steady snow is expected to continue throughout the afternoon, with the potential for heavy bands of snow, leading to rapidly deteriorating road conditions that could affect both travel and airport operations. Total snow accumulations are predicted to range from 4 inches to 6 inches for most areas in Middle Tennessee.
Cold Weather Advisory
In conjunction with the winter storm, the National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for the region due to dangerously low temperatures. On Friday morning, wind chill values are expected to drop between zero and 7 degrees Fahrenheit. Residents are advised to dress in layers and ensure that vulnerable individuals, pets, and plumbing are adequately protected against the extreme cold.
Impact on Daycare Services
Despite the school closures, Cheatham County’s extended daycare program will operate on Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., albeit without extra-curricular activities or community use of school facilities. Conversely, daycares in Robertson County will be closed as announced by the Schools Director in an email sent to parents.
Ongoing Updates
As the situation is dynamic, the list of school closures and delays will be updated as further announcements are made. Families are encouraged to stay informed about potential changes in weather conditions and their impact on local services.
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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 INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
