Georgia State, Emory University Make Decision On Classes: Hurricane Irma

ATLANTA, GA -- As Hurricane Irma slams Florida and threatens Georgia, officials at Atlanta's largest universities weighed whether to cancel school because of the weather. Georgia State University and Emory University both announced Sunday that classes will be canceled Monday.

Irma was expected to reach Georgia by Monday, bringing heavy rain, destructive winds, flash flooding, and even the likelihood of tornados. (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

Read more: ''Please stay inside': Irma wallops Florida

"Because of the severe weather threat, all Georgia State campuses will be closed on Monday, Sept. 11," GSU said in a statement on Twitter. "Classes and campus events are canceled."

Emory said it will shut its doors on Monday as well, but it added that the closure did not necessarily extend to the hospital.

"This closing applies only to the University. Emory Healthcare employees should refer to the EHC intranet, www.ourehc.org, and emails from Emory Healthcare for information on operations and procedures," the university said.

Read more: Will Fulton schools be open?

Also on Sunday, Gov. Nathan Deal expanded a state of emergency for all of Georgia's 159 counties. He also announced that all state government offices will be closed Monday and Tuesday for all employees except essential personnel.

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As the storm approached, South Georgia was expected to experience high winds and heavy rains, raising the possibility of several hazards, including downed trees and power lines.

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