FORT MILL, S.C. — The Fort Mill School District (FMSD) has announced the cancellation of all school-sponsored activities for this weekend as winter weather forecasts continue to project unsafe conditions for the area.
Weekend Cancellations
Effective immediately, the district has canceled all events scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
-
Scope: This cancellation applies to all on-campus activities and sporting events.
-
Travel: Crucially, this also includes off-campus events that require student travel, citing concerns over road safety.
Preparing for Monday
While district officials emphasized that no decision has been made regarding the school schedule for Monday, they are taking precautionary steps today.
Schools have been instructed to send devices and necessary learning materials home with qualified students this Friday. This measure is intended to ensure the district is prepared to transition immediately to virtual learning on Monday should road conditions or power outages prevent in-person attendance.
Next Steps
The district will continue to monitor the developing weather system throughout the weekend. Parents and guardians are advised to watch for official communications regarding the status of school for Monday, which will be announced as soon as a determination is made.
The Weather Forecast: Ice Threat Looms
Local forecasts for the weekend of January 24–25 predict a “wintry mix” that could cause significant travel disruptions.
-
Saturday (Jan 24): Meteorologists warn of a high chance of sleet and freezing rain beginning in the early hours. Temperatures are expected to hover near or below freezing, increasing the risk of “black ice” on bridges and overpasses.
-
Sunday (Jan 25): While precipitation may taper off, sustained freezing temperatures will likely prevent significant melting, keeping hazardous conditions in place throughout the day.
The Town of Fort Mill has issued a statement urging residents to prepare for potential power outages and icy roads. “Conditions could begin to deteriorate Saturday, with the most impactful period likely Saturday night into Sunday,” noted local weather reports.
Safety Reminders for Families
In alignment with local emergency management advice, families are encouraged to:
-
Stay off the roads: Avoid non-essential travel once precipitation begins.
-
Prepare for outages: Charge mobile devices and have flashlights and batteries ready, as ice accumulation on power lines poses a risk for outages.
-
Protect your home: Insulate outdoor pipes and allow indoor faucets to drip slightly to prevent freezing.
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.
