Greenville schools may be closed into next week due to Helene in SC. Here’s what we know

Greenville County Schools officials have decided to keep its 106 schools closed through Friday due to a lack of stable power and safe transportation routes.

Tim Waller, spokesman for the school district, said in a news release, “Widespread power outages, numerous traffic signals not working, and downed power lines and trees make travel unsafe for in-person learning.”

In addition, the schools cannot conduct eLearning with the power problems, internet access and unreliable cell phone reception.

Waller said district personnel are evaluating all 10,000 miles of roads the buses travel each day.

“In a snow or ice storm, based on experience, we know the most likely spots where issues will occur. In this situation, we have no way of knowing where trees and power lines have fallen,” he said.

Waller did not rule out school being out next week as well.

“While no decision has been made regarding next week, the plan will be dependent upon power, Internet accessibility, safe transportation, and food supplies,” he said. “Once power is restored, cafeteria food supplies must be restocked, which will take a minimum of 48 hours.”

Greenville County has just under 78,000 students and serves families from the Blue Ridge foothills to the Golden Strip cities of Mauldin, Simpsonville and Fountain Inn.