The Rutherford County Schools will close three hours early today (Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022), due to the threat of severe weather heading into the area. James Evans, spokesperson for the county schools, told WGNS NEWS, “The weather folks are calling for the potential for severe and possible tornadic weather affecting our county this afternoon beginning at 3 p.m. So, we will be dismissing schools three hours early today to ensure all buses can complete their routes before 3 p.m.”

Remember, three hours early means that if your child’s school normally dismisses at 2:30, they will dismiss at 11:30 today (Thursday). All times should be adjusted by three hours. The same is true for all bus stop times.  

The Rutherford County Schools after-school tutoring power hour programs are also canceled today. 

The Murfreesboro City Schools are also dismissing three hours early Thursday. List Trail, spokesperson for the city school system, stated, “Out of an abundance of caution, Murfreesboro City Schools will be dismissing three hours early today. This means bell dismissal times will be three hours earlier than normal and students riding buses will arrive at bus stops three hours earlier.”

Trail went on to say, “The weather forecast is predicting extremely strong winds this afternoon followed by severe storms, which aligns with our schools' dismissal times and our buses being on the roads with students.”

Murfreesboro City Schools will keep their Extended School Program (ESP) open this afternoon up until 6 p.m.