Local closings announced due to chance of severe weather

SUMTER

Due to severe weather and hazardous winds, Monday, March 16, 2026, will be an eLearning day for all students and staff in Sumter School District, according to a district spokeswoman. 
The National Weather Service is forecasting a potential threat for severe storms between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Possible impacts include hail, damaging to destructive wind gusts and isolated tornadoes. Wind gusts could reach 60–75 mph at times.
The South Carolina Department of Education advises limiting school bus operations when sustained winds exceed 30 miles per hour or when wind gusts exceed 40 miles per hour, as these conditions can significantly affect the safe operation of school buses.
On eLearning days, all schools and district offices are closed, and all activities, including athletic events and field trips, are canceled. As an approved eLearning district, this day will not need to be made up.
Lessons and assignments will be posted in Schoology. Students who are unable to participate due to power outages, limited internet access, or other barriers will be allowed to complete assignments at a later time.

Monday, March 16, will also be an eLearning Day for Liberty STEAM Charter School, according to Executive Director Trevor Ivey.

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.
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.
Please continue to monitor the District website and social media platforms for additional updates.

CLARENDON COUNTY
Due to severe weather and hazardous wind conditions expected in our area, Monday, March 16, 2026, will be an eLearning day for all students and staff in Clarendon County School District. The National Weather Service is forecasting a threat of severe storms between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with possible hail, damaging wind gusts up to 60–75 mph, and isolated tornadoes. The South Carolina Department of Education advises limiting school bus operations when sustained winds exceed 30 miles per hour or when gusts exceed 40 miles per hour, as these conditions can impact the safe operation of school buses. Important eLearning Information: All schools and district offices will be closed • All activities, including athletic events and field trips, are canceled • Assignments will be posted in Google Classroom • Students must complete assignments by 11:59 p.m. to be marked present for the day.
Students who experience power outages, limited internet access, or other barriers will be allowed additional time to complete their assignments. Clarendon County School District works closely with emergency management and law enforcement officials when making decisions related to inclement weather. Please continue to monitor district communication channels for updates.