Storms, high winds prompt early dismissals at Albany State, Dougherty schools
Storm packed 60 mph wind gusts; weather warnings set to expire at 5 p.m.
A line of severe thunderstorms with wind gusts of up to 60 mph blew through the region early Monday afternoon, prompting cancellation of classes at Albany State University and early dismissal of the Dougherty County School System’s 26 schools. (Staff Photo: Terry Lewis)
By Terry Lewis
ALBANY — At approximately 1:40 Monday afternoon, a strong line of thunderstorms packing wind gusts of 60 mph blew through Dougherty County, prompting many Southwest Georgia school officials to order early student dismissals.
Albany State University canceled all classes at 2 p.m., adding meetings and events at the university are canceled “until further notice.”
Shortly afterward, Dougherty County School System spokesman J.D. Sumner announced the system was “sending buses to the schools” as part of a staggered dismissal plan beginning with the system’s 14 elementary schools. Sumner said middle schools would follow, and high schools would be last.
At 1:21 p.m., the National Weather Service out of Tallahassee issued a severe thunderstorm warning that expired at 2 p.m. However, a severe thunderstorm watch covering 26 Southwest Georgia counties remains in effect until 5 p.m. The warnings include a wind advisory warning of wind gusts of 40 mph or better.
Early dismissal plans took effect in Baker, Calhoun, Randolph, Clay and Sumter county schools earlier in the day. At 1 p.m., Worth County schools remained on their regular dismissal schedule.
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