Schools and universities throughout the state announced modified schedules Wednesday ahead of expected storms.

Hurricane Francine made landfall in Louisiana Wednesday afternoon as a Category 2 storm. Heavy rain, wind and potential severe weather is forecast for much of the state as the storm system moves through the area.

Lauderdale County School District announced its four campuses will be closed Thursday due to the threat of severe weather. On social media the district said it is communicating with local emergency officials and will continue to monitor the storm.

Meridian Public School District announced it will also close campuses and offices Thursday as storms from Hurricane Francine are expected to impact the area. In its announcement, the district said it plans to resume normal operations Friday.

In a news release, MSU said its Meridian campus, along with the rest of its campuses, will be closed Thursday as well.

Meridian Community College announced it will be closed Thursday and classes canceled in expectation of the severe weather.

East Mississippi Community College said its locations will also be closed Thursday with students attending classes and staff working virtually where possible. Food services on the college’s campus in Scooba will continue normal operations.

In Decatur, East Central Community College is also turning to virtual learning Thursday with all offices on campus closed. The cafeteria will continue to operate to feed those students who remain on campus. Students are encouraged to pay attention to the weather and use caution when traveling to the cafeteria.

Newton County School District, which is also in Decatur, announced it is following other institutions in canceling Thursday classes. All after school events and activities will also be canceled, the district said.

Lauderdale County government offices will be closed Thursday as well. The exception will be the regularly scheduled Board of Supervisors work session that will take place at 9 a.m. at the Lauderdale County Government Center.

The city of Meridian announced its offices will delay opening until 9:30 a.m. Thursday morning due to the storms.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.