SALISBURY — Rowan-Salisbury Schools will be closed Friday for all staff and students because of the threat of severe weather.

School will operate on a normal schedule Thursday, but the district administration made the decision to shutter schools Friday as Hurricane Florence draws closer.

“In this situation, we’re very concerned about wind and rain,” Superintendent Lynn Moody said.

Heavy rains increase the possibility of flooding on many roads, which would pose a risk to buses.

“We’re just looking for any potential flooding,” Moody said.

Moody said that winds 40 mph or stronger make operating tall vehicles like buses a danger.

“We have to put safety first,” she said.

The beginnings of the storm are expected to hit Thursday evening.

“So at this point, we feel like we can have a regular school day tomorrow,” Moody said.

However, the staff is keeping an eye on the forecast. Should the storm come in more quickly, Moody said, schools may release early Thursday. All Thursday and Friday afternoon activities are canceled.

Next week’s schedule is uncertain.

“We’re very uncomfortable with Friday. … There’s a possibility that next week we may have to close some days,” Moody said.

District administration will monitor weather conditions through the weekend and will make a decision Saturday or Sunday about next week’s schedule.