Schools closing early because of severe weather threat

St. Mary Parish public schools are closing early Wednesday because of the severe weather in the forecast for the afternoon.

High schools and middle schools will close at 1 p.m. Elementary schools will close at 1:30 p.m.

Bus transportation will be provided.

A press release from Superintendent Teresa Bagwell said the schools are being dismissed early because the severe weather is expected to arrive at the time when students would normally be leaving school.

The National Weather Service says a robust cold front is expected to move through the region on Wednesday. Showers and thunderstorms are expected ahead of and along
the front, and strong to severe storms are possible. Tornadoes, hail, and damaging wind gusts are all potential hazards.