Gwinnett County Public Schools, Hebron Christian Academy Announce Winter Weather Plans

Originally posted on Jan. 7 at 12:35 p.m. Updated at 4 p.m.

Several metro school systems, including Gwinnett, have announced plans to close Tuesday, Jan. 7, due to the dangerously cold temperatures expected in the area. By 6 a.m. Tuesday morning -- the time when many Mill Creek and Dacula High School students would be about to head to the bus stops -- the temperatures are expected to be 8 degrees. The temperatures are not expected to be significantly warmer when the elementary and middle school routes are scheduled to run.

Nearby, Barrow County Schools announced that classes have been cancelled for Jan. 7. Atlanta Public Schools will also be closed. Other school systems closed tomorrow include Forsyth County, Cobb County, Hall County and Walton County.

At 2:42 p.m., Gwinnett County Public Schools announced plans to close. 

In an earlier email to Dacula Patch, Jorge Quintana, GCPS Director of Media Relations, explained school officials have been working today to make sure facilities have appropriate heat and that buses will be able to run.

"Extreme cold can affect diesel engines, especially after the buses have been sitting over the break. In addition, we will continue to gather information from public safety agencies and weather services regarding the temperature and weather-related issues," he added. "All of these factors will be taken into consideration when making the decision on whether or not to hold school."

In announcing the school system closing this afternoon, Quintana wrote, "Gwinnett County Public Schools will be closed Tuesday, January 7, due to the extremely cold temperatures expected overnight and concerns regarding safety and operational issues."

Hebron Christian Academy will also be closed. A statement posted on the school website read in part, "Due to predicted extreme cold and wind conditions, Hebron Christian Academy will not hold classes Tuesday, January 7, 2014."

All Hebron athletic practices are cancelled, but games will be held as scheduled.