Preliminary weather reports from the Lee County School District’s weather consultant forecast that gusty showers and intense thunderstorms will be arriving locally early this (Thursday) afternoon, said Joe Donzelli, director of communications for the school system.

He said that because the safety of staff and students is a major priority; it has been determined that due to the incoming severe weather, all outside sporting events and activities, scheduled after 2 p.m. today are to be canceled.

District schools have been notified and are making those notifications to students, parents and guardians as needed, Donzelli said.