Lexington County and its schools are adjusting to inclement weather.

With Idalia, which made landfall earlier Aug. 30 along the Gulf Coast of Florida, beginning to impact the county as afternoon gave way into evening, the county and the National Weather Service advised that Lexington along with all S.C. counties along and south of Interstate 20 was under a tropical storm warning.

“Gusts over 40mph are possible this evening into tonight. Rain increasing in intensity later this afternoon through tonight with widespread 4 to 8 inch amounts leading to flash flooding,” the NWS advised.

All Lexington County school districts – 1, 2, 3, 4 and Lexington-Richland District 5 – have switched from a two-hour delay on Aug. 31 to an e-learning day. According to releases from the districts, the change comes in response to the unknown condition of roads due to the storm and the possible extent of power outages across the county.

District 4 added that a majority of their roads are unpaved, meaning buses will be unable to service those routes, even with a delay. District 2 also mentioned that its more rural roads and low-lying areas would complicate travel.

Districts 2 and 3 announced they will assess conditions to see if after-school activities and athletics will occur as scheduled for Aug. 31. District 4 said that coaches and sponsors will be in contact with their students regarding after-school activities.

District 5 said that all after-school childcare programs have been canceled for Aug. 31.

Gray Collegiate Academy in West Columbia also announced a switch to e-learning for Aug. 31.

Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency Aug. 29, with a release urging residents to double-check their emergency plans for this storm and others that may occur in the future.