ABSS Cancels Classes March 16, Citing Severe Weather and Strong Winds

The Alamance-Burlington School System closed its doors to students today, March 16, after the National Weather Service forecast a 60-74% chance of widespread damaging winds and a 15-29% probability of tornadoes for the region.

ABSS announced the closure Sunday evening, March 15. "Due to the threat of severe weather and strong winds," the district said, "ABSS will be closed for students tomorrow, March 16. It will be an optional teacher workday for staff. There will be no athletics or after-school activities."

The weather threat driving the decision is substantial. The National Weather Service predicted wind speeds peaking around 2 p.m. and continuing through the afternoon. A follow-up NWS forecast update was scheduled for release at 6 a.m. this morning. Meteorologists also characterized the day's storm system as carrying a moderate to enhanced risk of severe weather across North Carolina and Virginia, with tornado strengths above EF-2 possible.

The closure extends to every scheduled after-school function. Athletics, extracurricular programs, and any activities planned for Monday evening will not take place.

ABSS was not alone in shutting down. At least eight other school systems across the region closed for the day, including Guilford County Schools, Randolph County School System, Davidson County Schools, Rockingham County Schools, Asheboro City Schools, Stokes County Schools, Surry County Schools, and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. Guilford County Schools cited specifically "the threat of strong winds beyond what is safe for school bus travel" in its own statement, and noted that meals would remain available at school locations at 9 a.m. and noon for its students. No comparable meal distribution was announced by ABSS.