Area schools announce closures ahead of Hurricane Francine

Area schools have announced closures on Thursday ahead of Hurricane Francine.

So far, the confirmed closures include Neshoba Central, Philadelphia, Choctaw Tribal Schools, Leake Academy and Union.

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians announced details late Wednesday, including Tribal offices.

East Central Community College will shift to virtual learning, and all offices will be closed on Thursday. Additionally, Thursday night’s Suicide Awareness Event at Brackeen-Wood Gymnasium has been canceled.

ECCC’s Mabry Cafeteria will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for dinner on Thursday.

Residence hall students remaining on campus are advised to monitor the weather and use caution when traveling to and from the cafeteria, officials said.

The Grille in the Student Union Building will also be closed on Thursday.

Schools are expected to resume normal operations on Friday, Sept. 13.

School officials say they are continuing to monitor weather updates and encourage everyone to stay alert and stay safe.

The potential for severe weather on Thursday includes high winds, thunderstorms, and flash flooding from Hurricane Francine.

Gov. Tate Reeves announced a State of Emergency in advance of Tropical Storm Francine, which became a Category 1 Hurricane as it approached landfall.

Check back for updates.