Public schools in Seward released their students and closed early yesterday (Tuesday) due to the inclement weather and flooding in the area, and will start two hours late today (Wednesday).
In an announcement Tuesday morning by the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District central office, both Seward Middle and Seward High schools released their students at noon, while Seward Elementary released at 12:30. Moose Pass School remained open.
All after-school activities were cancelled.
Last evening, the district announced that all three Seward schools and Moose Pass School will begin classes two hours late today. If conditions warrant, according to the district's announcement, a decision on full closure will be made by 8 a.m.
According to the National Weather Service, up to five inches of rain fell around Seward Monday night and early Tuesday morning, causing flooding throughout the area. The Resurrection and Snow rivers have crested, but flooding in low lying areas and over some roadways is expected to persist. A flood advisory remains in effect until 10:45 this (Wednesday) morning.
Meanwhile, another strong low pressure system will bring another round of heavy rain and strong winds to the North Gulf Coast and Cook Inlet starting tomorrow (Thursday). Storm force winds of 50 to 60 knots are expected, and though the rainfall amount is not expected to be as much as the weekend's storm, the swollen streams and rivers may rise again with another 1.5- to 2-inches of rain expected.