Meridian and Lauderdale County school districts announced schools and office will be closed Tuesday as a period of extremely cold weather moves into the area.

The National Weather Service in Jackson has issued a cold weather advisory including Meridian and Lauderdale County until 9 a.m. Thursday. Temperatures are expected to reach as low as five degrees with wind chills overnight and struggle to break above freezing during the day.

East Mississippi could also see some winter precipitation Tuesday, with the National Weather Service forecasting a 50% chance of snow.

Matt Davis, director of public relations for MPSD, said the district’s decision comes after considering both the availability of heating in classroom and office space and the safety of staff and students traveling to and from the district’s campuses.

After initially planning a delayed opening, Lauderdale County School District made the decision to fully cancel classes at all four of its campuses Tuesday morning. All afterschool activities for LCSD students Tuesday are also canceled.

“We are working closely with (Lauderdale County Emergency Management Agency), county officials, and continue to monitor conditions throughout the day and into Wednesday,” the district announced via social media. “Updates will be shared as needed.”

City of Meridian government offices will also delay opening Tuesday due to the weather, Communications Director Ida Brown said in an email. Offices will open at 10 a.m.

Brown said city officials will continue to monitor the weather and update the public as needed.

Lauderdale County offices will operate under normal hours Tuesday.