Savannah-Chatham Schools Roll Out Schedules: Hurricane Irma

SAVANNAH, GA — Savannah-Chatham County announced their decision on when they plan to reopen public schools as Tropical Storm Irma makes its way toward the Peach State. Rainy conditions are now widespread across Georgia, and the tropical storm warning issued Sunday for the area remains in effect. The entire state is also under a flash flood watch, the National Weather Service states.

All Savannah-Chatham County public schools will remain closed through Wednesday. Officials need to assess the safety of all facilities before students return.

Essential staff will return first to assess the schools, while all other staff members will return to work on a staggered re-entry schedule.

Watch: Hurricane Irma Weakens To A Tropical Storm, But It's Still Dangerous

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The storm was downgraded from a Category 1 hurricane early Monday morning as it departed Florida and entered southern Georgia near Albany.

Irma currently packs winds of 70 mph and gusts of 80 mph. As the day goes on, you can expect wind speeds to reach 30 to 40 mph and gusts to 55 mph. The National Weather Service also predicts 3 to 5 inches of rain to fall, meaning there's a risk of flash flooding throughout the area.

Here's the latest on what you need to know as Tropical Storm Irma churns through Georgia:

• Hurricane Irma weakens to a tropical storm, but it's still dangerous.
• Major universities such as the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Kennesaw State University, Emory University and the University of West Georgia are also closed for business and classes.
• Social media users are losing it over the news of a tropical storm warning blanketing Atlanta.

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