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Metro Atlanta county schools closing early, canceling after-school activities as severe weather arrives

Several districts have canceled extracurricular activities for the afternoon.

ATLANTA — A tornado watch has been issued for some northern Georgia counties and some metro Atlanta school districts are preparing as the severe weather moves inland. 

The National Weather Service has elevated the risk of severe weather in the metro area to Level 3 for Thursday afternoon. 

Here is a list of counties that have made announcements related to extracurricular activities and dismissal.

For live updates on risks, watches and warnings, check out this story.

Watch live radar below:

Atlanta Public Schools

The district has canceled all after-school activities.

Atlanta University Center Consortium

Due to inclement weather in 46 counties in Georgia, including Fulton County, the decision has been made to close Atlanta University Center campuses, including Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Spelman College, and the Robert W. Woodruff Library for the remainder of the day at 2:30 p.m.

Cherokee County Schools

Incoming severe weather has prompted the district to cancel extracurricular activities for the afternoon.

Clarke County School District

All after-school activities for students, teachers, staff and families are canceled with the exception of the district's After School Program.

Parents are encouraged to pick their student up from after-school care as early as possible to avoid severe weather that is anticipated between 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.

All schools will dismiss at the normal dismissal times. 

This evening's Board of Education meeting will be held at 6 p.m. as previously scheduled.

Clayton County Public Schools

The school district announced that all high schools are being dismissed at 1 p.m., elementary schools at 2 p.m. and all middle schools will be dismissed at 3:30 p.m. 

Officials with the district also canceled all extracurricular or school activities that happen after school. 

Cobb County School District

Authorities with Cobb County Schools said they are continuing to monitor the severe weather as it moves into the area. They have decided to cancel after-school activities.

DeKalb County School District

School-based activities have been canceled Thursday. District leaders said scheduled athletic activities will be postponed and rescheduled, if possible.

Buses will also run their scheduled routes as weather permits, an alert from the district said. However, parents and guardians are encouraged to pick up their children at their convenience before regular dismissal times.

Floyd County Schools

Due to inclement weather, FCS will delay dismissal at 3:30 pm. All after-school activities will be canceled with the exception of after-school care, the district said.

Gilmer County Schools

Gilmer County Schools have already released students. All students were released before 1 p.m. Thursday as they brace for impact from the severe weather. The area is currently under a tornado watch until 5 p.m. Thursday. 

Gordon County Schools

Gordon County Schools officials also said they will be delaying student release by 30 minutes, the district said. 

The district's Afterschool Program (ASP) at elementary schools will operate as usual.

Griffin-Spalding Schools

Griffin-Spalding schools announced they will be closed Friday. Essential employees have been told to report at 8:30 a.m., but all other students and staff will remain home.

Jackson County School System

The district will dismiss students 30 minutes early Thursday afternoon. 

Leaders have canceled all extracurricular after-school and evening activities for Thursday. After-school programs for elementary students will remain open for those families in need, the district said.

Jasper County Schools

Jasper County schools will be closed on Friday due to impacts from the storm. They announced a makeup will be made at a later date. 

This story will be updated as districts release their plans.

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