Hamilton County Schools will be closed on Friday due to concerns of ice on roads in the morning, especially in the higher elevations.
Officials earlier said there would be a two-hour delay on Friday, but the National Weather Service forecast calls for temperatures to remain below freezing until the middle of the day tomorrow.
It was stated, "After additional discussions with emergency personnel and the concern of wet roads freezing overnight, it has been decided to close schools tomorrow out of an abundance of caution and the concern for student safety."
School-aged childcare locations will be open on Friday from 8 a.m.
to 6 p.m. at Barger Academy, Battle Elementary, Daisy Elementary, East Brainerd Elementary, East Ridge Elementary, Middle Valley Elementary, Harrison Elementary, and Red Bank Elementary.
All campuses of Georgia Northwestern Technical College will delay opening until 10 a.m. on Friday.
Officials said, "It’s important for our students to stay engaged in learning every day, even on inclement weather days. The school district has created a range of activities for students to complete while out of school. We hope these learning activities will help parents engage children in learning activities while out of school. The academic assignments are available on the district website at www.hcde.org/homestudy. "
The National Weather Service said:
...Black Ice Possible this evening through Friday morning... After widespread precipitation throughout the day on Thursday, temperatures will drop down to below freezing for most locations in the 8 PM to 10 PM timeframe. Overnight lows will drop down into the teens and 20s late tonight into Friday morning. Any residual moisture on area roadways will freeze and will lead to black ice on the roadways. Drive with caution this evening into Friday morning and slow down. Be prepared for black ice on area roadways especially secondary roadways, bridges and overpasses.