Fulton Schools Dismiss Early

At 1:45 p.m. today, the Fulton County School System announced it was dismissing classes early, effective immediately. 

Here's the full statement we just got: 

All Fulton County schools – elementary, middle and high – are closing at 1:45 p.m. due to inclement weather. Bus transportation is in progress but parents are welcome to pick up their children at school if they wish.

Everyone is urged to take care on the roads and drive safety. Student safety is our highest priority.

Stay tuned to local news stations, the school system’s social media channels (Twitter and Facebook), and the FCS website for any change in information. 

Fulton was one of the last school districts in metro Atlanta to announce an early dismissal. Throughout the morning and early afternoon parents pleaded for an early closing on the district's Facebook page. Here's what school officials posted on response to those concerns: 

Today’s weather pattern has come in faster than initially forecasted. The school day will be ending at 1:45 p.m. for all students – elementary, middle and high. Please feel free to pick up your children at that time. Bus transportation is in progress. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Here's a sampling of the parental concerns: 

"Student safety is your priority??? Are you kidding me? You have hundreds of parents out on terrible roads heading to schools & you give 5 minutes notice???!!!"
"If student safety was a priority, you would have made the call before now. Someone needs to be fired over this!"

"Roads are not great. I've gotten NO call or email or text. Seriously, how are parents/caregivers to know this information? What if kids get home on bus and no one there for them? This is poorly played out, FCS. How sad."

"Next time I'm just going to show up and demand my child. You've proven unfit to make decisions regarding his safety in the conditions. I'm absolutely livid!"

"I have no way to get my children now. I am PRAYING you get my girls home safe. This is a nightmare!!!"

The NWS has this forecast for today for Sandy Springs.

Snow. High near 31. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

For Tuesday night: 

Snow, mainly before 10pm. Low around 17. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

"A winter storm warning for moderate snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring," NWS said. "Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Only travel in an emergency. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency."

The latest winter storm warning extends through Wednesday morning. Wednesday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 36. Northwest winds will be around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The low will be around 16.