UPDATED: DeKalb Closing Schools Tuesday

The DeKalb County School District will be closed Tuesday because of high winds and extremely cold temperatures, Superintendent Michael Thurmond announced.

From the District's Facebook page:

"The District will close to protect the health and well being of students and staff because of the potential risks associated with frostbite and hypothermia. All scheduled events, including after school programs and extra-curricular activities are canceled.

"The District consulted with the National Weather Service and Dr. Sandra Ford, Director of DeKalb County Board of Health. According to Dr. Ford, 'As wind speeds increase, heat is carried away from the body faster, which lowers skin temperature, increasing risk for frostbite and hypothermia. In the weather we are expecting, children would need hats, gloves, coats, and even face coverings, as well as appropriate shoes and socks to protect those areas at greatest risk for damage from exposure: fingers, toes, earlobes, and the tip of the nose.' ”

The forecast for the North Druid Hills-Briarcliff area calls for a morning low between 4-6 degrees, with a projected wind chill at 7 a.m. of -10 degrees. The high Tuesday will be 26, with Wednesday's low around 16.

'The District’s Inclement Weather Advisory Team will continue to monitor all district and school operations including facilities, maintenance, and transportation. Future decisions regarding school openings, closings, or delayed openings will be communicated to members of the Board of Education, parents, the public and the local media by email, phone tree calls, the District website, PDS-TV24, District website, social media channels and the DCSD 1200 line."

Monday was a teacher work day, with district employees reporting at 10 a.m.

Meanwhile, the area's two Catholic schools -- St. Pius X and Immaculate Heart of Mary -- will be open Tuesday. Both schools are allowing students to dress out of uniform to stay warm for the day.