Wet weather threats forces a Midlands school district to cancel classes, another delayed

One Midlands school district canceled classes Thursday while another delayed the start of the day for its students as heavy rain swamped South Carolina.

All Orangeburg County schools were closed, district officials said in a news release. The district was originally planning on operating on a 3-hour delay for students, teachers and other staff, but changed course and called off Thursday's classes.

"This decision has been made with the safety and well-being of our students and staff as our top priority," district officials said in the release.

The neighboring Calhoun County Public School District is operating on a 2-hour delay for its bus schedule because of the heavy rain, officials said. Schools will be open for car riders at normal times.

Orangeburg County officials said challenging roads, the condition of some buildings and ongoing weather conditions were all factors is closing their schools.

A flood warning is in effect in Orangeburg County until 12:45 p.m., while a flood watch will run through 7 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

"Excessive runoff (from heavy rainfall) may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations," the National Weather Service said. "Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas."

The flood warning also includes parts of Richland, Lexington, Sumter, Calhoun and Clarendon counties, according to the National Weather Service.

Between 6 inches to a foot of rain has fallen in parts of the Midlands, but little to no additional rainfall is expected, the National Weather Service said.

There was no word if Orangeburg County schools will resume a normal schedule on Friday.

"We will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide any additional updates regarding school operations as necessary," officials said. "Please stay safe, and thank you for your understanding and cooperation."