As Houston recovers from severe weather-induced chaos, several school districts announced closures for Monday, May 20, citing ongoing power outages and storm damage from last Thursday's tumultuous events. Families and campuses left in the dark by the destruction are facing an extended weekend as organizations scramble to restore normalcy in the affected areas.
Among the closures, Aldine ISD, BakerRipley Community Schools, Brazos School For Inquiry & Creativity, Channelview ISD and others have shut down to cope with the infrastructural hits. "Due to the ongoing power outages that continue to affect many of our families and campuses, the decision has been made to close our district on Monday, May 20." Channelview ISD stated, as reported by FOX 26 Houston.
To add to Houston's woes, the National Weather Service predicts a partly sunny forecast with highs nipping at 91 degrees on Tuesday, potentially intensifying the strain on recovery efforts.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, a massive stretch from the Lower Missouri Valley to the Upper Great Lakes braces for “A broad area of severe-thunderstorm potential is expected from the southern Plains to the upper Great Lakes. The highest concentration of severe storms is expected from eastern Kansas to southwest Wisconsin. Tornadoes (a few strong), damaging gusts, and large hail are possible through Monday night.”
Even as the city grapples with the aftermath of last week's fury, local schools and facilities like Cy-Fair ISD remain shut to address current hazards and preempt further risks. "All CFISD schools and facilities will be closed again on Monday, May 20. Travel is a concern due to the number of traffic lights out and the amount of debris on the roads. Additionally, many of our campuses (and families) are still without power. We will reassess the situation and provide an update on Monday regarding Tuesday's status. Thank you for your patience and understanding as CFISD and the entire Cy-Fair community continue to recover from Thursday’s storm." Cy-Fair ISD explained.
Galena Park ISD also joined the list of closures, underscoring the extensive damage that Houston is grappling with. "Due to the number of students, homes, and schools without power and impassable roadways in our community, Galena Park ISD schools and offices will remain closed on Monday, May 20, 2024." a communique from the district read.
