Storm threat closing Clovis schools early

The threat of inclement weather means early release Monday for Clovis Municipal Schools students.

A school news release said elementary students will be released at 12:30 p.m., middle school students will be released at 1 p.m., and high school students will be released at 1:20 p.m.

"Those students who regularly ride buses will be transported from school to their usual bus stop," the release stated. "Due to extreme temperatures and wind, families are being asked to make arrangements to pick up those students who normally walk to and from school."

The city of Clovis issued a blizzard warning Monday morning with up to 2 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 65 mph predicted Monday afternoon. Snow flurries began late Monday morning. The blizzard warning was in effect until 11 p.m. Monday.

The National Weather Service was predicting up to 3 inches of snow north of Clovis with wind gusts up to 40 mph. Road closures were possible along Interstate 40 from Santa Rosa to the Texas line and portions of U.S. 60/84. Forecasters also warned of extensive damage to trees and power lines due to the high winds.