Numerous school systems close early due to Michael

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - As Tropical Storm Michael moved up the East Coast on Thursday, several school systems in Central Virginia closed early.

CLICK HERE for the full list of closures.

Chesterfield County closed two hours early Thursday.

Parents at Providence Middle School were thankful for the early dismissal. Many reminisced about the abrupt, tornado outburst in September that left many children in Chesterfield County Schools for hours, waiting out the storm and numerous buses, turning around.

“We got the alert to pick up our kids because school was letting out two hours early,” Lance Lozada, the father of a sixth grader at Providence Middle School said. “It’s definitely a positive thing, especially what happened last time with the tornado, to have the kids locked up there for all that time, I’d rather get them home, safe, with us.”

Veronica Cortez, whose daughter is also in sixth grade said, “It is a good idea because of what happened last time,” Cortez said. “It is better to do this than waiting to see what’s going on.”

Much of Virginia is under a tornado watch until 9 p.m., with heavy downpours and high winds expected around the time school is usually letting out.

Most schools also canceled after-school activities.

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