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Okeechobee, Martin, Palm Beach, St. Lucie public schools plan to reopen Friday after Helene

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — All public schools in Okeechobee, Martin, Palm Beach, Indian River and St. Lucie counties plan to reopen Friday, those districts announced Thursday.

The announcements come after Hurricane Helene brought gusty winds and heavy, tropical downpours to the area this morning.

"After monitoring the local impact of Hurricane Helene, and in consultation with the Okeechobee County Emergency Operations Center, all Okeechobee County public schools will reopen tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 27. If conditions in your area do not allow for your child to come to school safely, his or her absence will be excused," Okeechobee County Schools said in a post.

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St. Lucie and Martin County Public Schools posted similar messages on Facebook.

"SLPS continues to monitor Hurricane Helene, and we remain in close contact with the St. Lucie County Emergency Operations Center. Pending an unexpected turn, we anticipate resuming normal operations tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 27," St. Lucie Public Schools said.

"Schools and offices in the Martin County School District will reopen and return to normal operations on Friday, Sept. 27," the Martin County School District said.

Palm Beach County Schools and district offices will also be open tomorrow.

The School District of Indian River County made their decision to reopen schools Friday shortly after 6 p.m. Thursday, following an update from the Indian River County Emergency Operations Center.

Schools were closed Thursday in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast due to Helene.

Okeechobee County and the Treasure Coast are still expected to receive strong wind gusts and rain bands from the storm late into Thursday evening.

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2024 STORM NAMES

Alberto

Beryl

Chris

Debby

Ernesto

Francine

Gordon

Helene

Isaac

Joyce

Kirk

Leslie

Milton

Nadine

Oscar

Patty

Rafael

Sara

Tony

Valerie

William

TERMS TO KNOW

TROPICAL STORM WATCH: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.

TROPICAL STORM WARNING: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.

HURRICANE WATCH: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible somewhere within the specified coastal area. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

HURRICANE WARNING: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. A hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.