Severe Storms Force DeSoto County Schools to Close: What Parents Need to Know
Facing a powerful series of storms, DeSoto County Schools have been forced to close temporarily for the safety of students and staff. This article covers the recent weather's effect on local schools, how families are affected, and what the community is doing to recover.
Aftermath of severe weather affecting school operations — DeSoto County Schools district updates.
The Impact of Recent Severe Weather on DeSoto County Schools
On the night of May 18, a series of intense storms swept across North Mississippi, causing widespread power outages and significant damage throughout the region. As high as 70 mph, damaging winds resulted in fallen trees, blocked roads, and disrupted essential services. According to localmemphis.com, more than 14,000 customers lost power, leaving much of DeSoto County in the dark late Sunday night. Due to ongoing power outages and safety concerns, DeSoto County Schools quickly announced closures for Monday, May 19.
School Closures and Community Response
DeSoto County's state of emergency, declared on May 19, led the school district to extend closures through Tuesday, May 20. Official statements confirmed that while all regular classes were cancelled, graduation ceremonies and practices would continue as scheduled. Detailed coverage by The Commercial Appeal emphasized the importance of safety while highlighting the district's efforts to maintain core events for students.
School officials worked closely with emergency management teams and utility providers to assess damage and communicate updates to families. Entergy Mississippi reported thousands still without power as cleanup crews cleared debris and restored vital infrastructure. Throughout this period, DeSoto County Schools maintained a clear focus on student safety and open communication.
Recovery Efforts and Ongoing Updates
The impact of the storm has been profound in several areas, particularly around Hernando. With emergency declarations in effect, local law enforcement and public works crews worked tirelessly to reopen blocked roads and restore power to neighborhoods. Mayor Chip Johnson shared in DeSoto Times-Tribune that over 7,700 residents were left without electricity at the storm's peak. He urged neighbors to check on one another and exercise patience as restoration efforts continued.
DeSoto County Schools' swift action—supported by the wider community and emergency services—exemplifies the region's resilience. Crews are working around the clock to remove downed trees, fix broken utility poles, and repair property damage. Both local government officials and the district are emphasizing safety and cooperation during cleanup.
Staying Informed and Looking Ahead
If you are a parent or guardian in the district, staying connected with the official DeSoto County Schools website, as well as reliable news outlets, is crucial for timely updates. localmemphis.com, desototimes.com, and The Commercial Appeal each provide in-depth continuing coverage as recovery progresses.
Conclusion
The recent storms have shown how quickly daily routines can change, but the quick response from DeSoto County Schools and local partners is helping students, staff, and families stay safe. While the cleanup continues, it’s essential to follow safety alerts and check on those in your community. With everyone working together, DeSoto County will recover—and schools will welcome students back as soon as it is safe to do so.