It is storm season, but rain has hit Wake County extra hard this fall. Since school started, there have been approximately 8 pouring, rainy days in the past month. Meteorologists say this is the “wettest” year in the triangle area since 1939. The annual rainfall figure in the Triangle is about 46.07”. As of September 2024 we are already at 45.42”, meaning the rainfall will easily surpass the average in the next 3 months. With these statistics, Wake County has not had a closing from this weather yet. The flooding caused by the rain is a concern for students and staff on the roads. Many students have reportedly left school early last week due to flooding.

Green Level student Sophie Singh says “It is scary to drive before sunrise because you can barely see anything, and the flooded roads are hazardous, especially with all of the traffic.” Flooding is a major cause of crashes, and having schools open in these conditions is unsafe. Wake County needs to do something about this issue; we have had several flash flood warnings.

Many Green Level students are new drivers and aren’t used to harsh weather conditions quite yet. Lamiyah, a Junior, just got her license a few weeks ago, “I feel uncomfortable driving in the severe weather. I’m not used to flooded roads. It’s the first time I’ve seen it this bad while driving to school.” Teachers, bus drivers, and students have expressed how they feel about these circumstances, but Wake County doesn’t seem to notice. It is not safe to go to school with this many concerns, and this is just from one school.

The only reason Wake County closes schools is when they hear key words like “Hurricane/Tornado/Snow”. But, there have been thunderstorms and rainstorms that have affected certain areas more than hurricanes that we didn’t even receive. Based on the safety of Wake County students and staff, not only should Wake County look over the cautions of categorized storms, but also look into certain areas that could be affected during storms that aren’t hurricanes, tornados, or snow storms.