Hurricane Helene Forces School Cancellations Across Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky – Several school districts and a private school in Lexington canceled in-person classes on Friday due to the arrival of Hurricane Helene, which is expected to impact the southeastern U.S. Rain was projected to begin around 8 p.m. Friday, continuing through early next week. Forecasts indicate some areas of Kentucky may see accumulation of 2-4 inches of rain by the end of the weekend.

Among the schools that announced cancellations are Lexington Christian Academy (LCA) and Harrison County Schools, both opting to call Friday an “inclement weather day.” Dan Koett, spokesperson for LCA, confirmed the cancellation citing safety concerns. Harrison County noted the area’s susceptibility to flooding and the forecasted “extremely high winds” as decision factors.

The University of Louisville also joined in the cancellations, declaring that classes and administrative offices would be closed on Friday. Multiple districts including Floyd County, Bell County, Rowan County, Middlesboro Independent, Lewis County, and Lawrence County shifted to remote learning to ensure the safety of their students.

While Harlan County similarly canceled in-person classes, it has yet to clarify whether classes would transition to a remote learning format. In a social media post, the district emphasized the severe weather warnings and the potential for flooding, urging the community to prioritize safety.

Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) Superintendent Demetrus Liggins stated there were “no plans” to cancel classes at FCPS schools shortly before the storm’s approach was confirmed. This contradicts the safety precaution measures being adopted by neighboring districts.

In Bell County, officials communicated via social media that remote learning would be implemented due to the dangers posed by the weather conditions. Anticipated weather patterns mention significant rains and winds up to 60 miles per hour, further amplifying safety concerns.

This weather system serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of storms and the cautious steps educational institutions are taking to protect their students during severe weather events.

As Hurricane Helene progresses, schools across Kentucky remain vigilant in monitoring the situation, prioritizing community safety while adjusting plans to accommodate students’ learning needs amid potential disruptions.