Local School Systems Closing Due To Illness, Flooding Concerns

Cumberland, Putnam, Van Buren, and White County schools will be closed the rest of this week.

All three school systems made the announcement Wednesday due to an increase in absences from flu and other seasonal illnesses. Putnam County Interim Director of Schools Corby King said he also considered widespread flooding when making the decision.

Putnam County EMA Director Tyler Smith said the area has already received nearly 3 inches of rain over the past 36 hours. He said an additional two inches could fall before the system moves out of the area.

“Some areas have already received some flooded roads in the county. Nothing major, but we are having reports of some ponding on some of the area roadways, Smith said. “I guess the best advice is to stay home if you don’t have to get out tonight. Never cross a flooded road, especially at night when you can’t see the road.”

Smith said resident should keep an eye out for creeks and rivers as they will continue to rise with more rainfall moving through the area.

“A lot of the creeks are getting out of their banks,” Smith said. “With this additional rainfall tonight, we’re definitely going to see a lot more flooding, especially in areas that are prone to flooding.”

Smith encouraged residents to stay up to date with weather information.

Fentress, Jackson, and Overton County schools will close Thursday because of concerns about flooding and road conditions.