Schools across Leesburg and Lake County will be closed on Wednesday in preparation of Tropical Storm Idalia, which is expected to make landfall late Tuesday night.
On Monday afternoon, the Lake County School District announced that schools and district offices will remain open on Tuesday, August 29, but will close on Wednesday, August 30.
County officials say after-school events will be cancelled on Tuesday, with the exception of the county’s ELC program, which will be open until 6 p.m.
“Parents, however, are asked to pick up their children from ELC as early as possible,” reads a statement issued by the county.
The county says that the Villages Elementary and Lost Lake Elementary schools will be used as shelters. Both shelters are pet-friendly and will be equipped to serve special needs guests.
School officials expect to reopen schools on Thursday.
Friday was already a day off for students, as it was previously designated as a professional learning day for teachers.
Earlier on Monday, Lake County officials announced the opening of multiple sandbag stations around the area.