INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Schools in the District will be closed Thursday and Friday in preparation for Hurricane Irma, according to the School District of Indian River County.
All essential personnel are required to report to work during this time, officials said.
“In an abundance of caution, we want to give all of our families the time they need to respond to Hurricane Irma,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell in a news release. “This will also allow us to prepare schools that may be used as shelters if necessary.”
Hurricane Irma strengthened into a category 5 hurricane with 180 mph winds Tuesday. It’s expected to bring life-threatening wind, a storm surge and rainfall hazards to the area on Sunday and Monday.
Vero Beach High School and Sebastian River High School football games, and all other school activities are cancelled for Thursday and Friday.
School reopening will depend on the aftermath of the storm and will be announced as soon as a decision is made. Those who want more information should go to www.indianriverschools.org.