Meridian and Lauderdale County schools will dismiss students early Tuesday as severe weather is expected to make its way across the state.

In a statement, Lauderdale County School District Superintendent John-Mark Cain said all LCSD campuses will dismiss at 2 p.m. The potential storms and possible flooding led district officials to make the early dismissal call, he said, and the district is continuing to stay in contact with emergency officials to stay up-to-date on the storms.

“As always, employee and student safety remains our top priority,” he said. “Please continue to monitor our media platforms for updates.”

Matt Davis, public relations director for Meridian Public School District, said city schools will also dismiss early on a rolling schedule. Elementary schools will dismiss at 1:50 p.m. while the district’s middle schools and Meridian High School will dismiss at at 2:25 p.m.

All Tuesday afterschool activities for MPSD students have been canceled as well, Davis said.

Staff and students at Meridian Community College will also end the day early after the school announced it will also be closing at 2 p.m. ahead of the storms.

The National Weather Service in Jackson is forecasting an enhanced risk of severe weather across much of the state Tuesday, with the main threat to East Mississippi arriving around 4-8 p.m. Strong storms capable of producing damaging winds, hail and potential tornadoes are possible.

Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on the forecast throughout the day and have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts.