News Summary
Multiple school districts across Middle Tennessee are closing or delaying classes on February 21 due to severe cold temperatures and flu outbreaks. Schools like Dickson, Cheatham, and Robertson County are prioritizing student health amid unsafe weather conditions following a recent winter storm. Tennessee ranks high in flu activity, prompting health concerns that lead to school closures and delayed start times. Families are advised to stay informed about updates from local districts.
Nashville, Tennessee – Multiple school districts across Middle Tennessee will be closed or delayed on Friday, February 21, due to extreme cold temperatures and ongoing flu outbreaks in the region. The closures come after a winter storm that left behind significant rainfall and snow conditions earlier in the week.
Several districts, including Dickson, Cheatham, and Robertson County Schools, announced their closures due to health concerns and unsafe weather conditions. Cheatham and Robertson County Schools issued their announcements on Thursday afternoon, leading the way for other districts to follow suit. Dickson County Schools cited a high number of flu cases among students as a primary reason for their closure on Friday.
In light of the current flu activity, Tennessee ranks as the fourth highest in the United States for flu cases, according to recent data from Walgreens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recognized Tennessee as experiencing high flu activity levels.
In addition to flu concerns, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch for parts of Middle Tennessee, effective through 7 a.m. on Sunday. The region has experienced several inches of rain along with reports of storm damage. As a result of the weather and health safety measures, several other school districts have implemented delayed start times or complete closures.
For families needing childcare services, Cheatham County’s extended daycare program will operate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. However, all extra-curricular activities and community use of school facilities will be suspended. Conversely, daycares in Robertson County will be closed for the day.
Weather conditions across Middle Tennessee include remnants of snowfall impacting rural counties, alongside the ongoing effects of the prior winter storm. Although above-freezing temperatures are anticipated to arrive on Saturday, schools and daycare services are taking precautions to ensure student safety amid challenging weather and public health concerns.
Tennessee’s ongoing struggles with severe weather, including rain, ice, and cold temperatures, as well as high flu activity, have created a complicated environment for local educators and families. The decisions made by school districts to delay or cancel classes aim to prioritize student safety. As the situation develops, families are encouraged to stay informed on announcements from their respective school districts and local news sources.
As Middle Tennessee prepares for potential further weather shifts and flu season continues, it remains essential for families to practice health safety measures to help mitigate the impact of the flu and ensure the well-being of students.
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Additional Resources
- Fox17 News
- Tennessean
- WSMV News
- NewsChannel 5
- Tennessean – School Closures
- Wikipedia: Nashville
- Google Search: Nashville school closures
- Google Scholar: Nashville school closures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nashville
- Google News: Nashville weather
Author: HERE Nashville
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