Charlotte County Public Schools (CCPS) announced that schools will be closed Thursday due to weather conditions forecast for Tropical Storm Michael that include heavy rainfall and winds.

Charlotte County remains under a flash flood watch until Friday at 5 a.m. that could include heavy rain associated with Michael that could spread into the area late Thursday morning and shift east by tonight, according to a flash flood watch advisory from the National Weather Service (NWS).

“Additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 6 inches is expected, with the higher totals in the piedmont,” the advisory cited.

The NWS urged residents to avoid driving through or approaching flooded area.

A wind advisory is also in effect in the county beginning at 2 p.m. Thursday afternoon and continuing until 2 a.m. Friday morning.

Winds, according to the advisory, are expected to come to 10 to 25 (miles per hour) mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

“Strong wind combined with heavy rain may cause downed trees and power outages,” the advisory cited.

In the event of power outages, contact Dominion Energy at 866-366-4357 or Southside Electric Cooperative at 1-866-878-5514.

In the event that assistance from area first responders is needed to remove fallen trees, fire-related or medical emergencies, contact the Bacon District Volunteer at (434) 735-8718,  Charlotte Court House Volunteer Fire Department at (434)542-5781, Cullen Volunteer Fire Department at (434) 542-5206, Drakes Branch Volunteer Fire Department at (434) 568-2109,  Keysville Volunteer Fire Department at (434) 736-9727, Phenix Volunteer Fire Department at (434) 542-5523, Red House Volunteer Fire Department at (434)248-678 and Charlotte County Rescue Squad at (434) 736-0087.