KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — East Tennessee is seeing rainclouds across the area, with some bringing thunder and lightning. However, Knox County Schools moved forward as planned with Thursday's graduation ceremonies.
Two high schools were scheduled to have their ceremonies on Thursday — South-Doyle High School and Bearden High School. The South-Doyle ceremony was set to start at 5:30 p.m. on the South-Doyle Field, and the Bearden ceremony was set to start at 8 p.m. on the Bearden Field.
Scattered showers were in the forecast for Thursday, along with some thunderstorms, lasting until at least Thursday night. They moved into the East Tennessee area around 8 p.m., and rain began pouring at around 8:15 p.m. at the Bearden graduation ceremony.
Knox County Schools said it encouraged families to consider bringing an umbrella and wearing appropriate rain clothes. It also said if storms move in during a ceremony, directions will be given to guests and students.
A full statement from KCS is available below.
"The district has been monitoring weather conditions very closely. At this time, we plan to move forward with our graduation ceremonies as scheduled this evening. We have encouraged families to be prepared. and consider bringing an umbrella and wearing the appropriate rain attire. If storms move in during the ceremony, directions will be provided to our guests and students."