CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools announced Friday that it will be closed for students and staff Monday, September 17 due to Hurricane Florence.
The district also announced that all athletic practices, games and events are canceled through September 17. CMS also closed Thursday and Friday in anticipation of the powerful storm, which is expected to bring devastating storm surge and catastrophic flooding to the Carolinas.
►LIST: School closings and delays
Officials said schools would be closed " to protect the safety of students, staff, families and community members."Make-up days will be announced at a later time.
CMS mentioned emergency shelters as one of the factors in the decision to close. East Mecklenburg, South Mecklenburg, North Mecklenburg, Olympic and Ardrey Kell schools opened Wednesday for evacuees. A shelter was also opened at West Mecklenburg High School on Thursday.
"CMS believes that supporting our neighbors in need is the right thing to do for our state, community and people affected by Hurricane Florence," CMS said.