The Vicksburg Warren School District announced it will remain open and operate on a regular schedule for the rest of the week, as a winter storm approaches Mississippi.

Vicksburg Catholic School principal Dawn Meeks and Porter’s Chapel Academy head of school Blake Purvis also said their schools will remain open.

The National Weather Service is forecasting rain and sleet for Vicksburg for both Thursday and Friday. The storm is expected to bring snow and ice to the Mississippi Delta, but according to a revised track the precipitation will only be heavy, cold rain and some sleet in Warren County and the I-20 corridor.

The bad weather will move into the area Thursday afternoon. Temperatures, however, will mostly remain just above freezing with a low of 32 forecast for Thursday night.

“After closely monitoring the situation and consulting with local weather authorities, district officials have determined that forecasted conditions for Thursday and Friday do not pose a significant threat to the safety of students and staff,” the VWSD said in a statement. “As always, the safety and well-being of our school community remain our top priorities.”

The VWSD’s bus routes will run as scheduled.

The school district encouraged parents to use their own discretion regarding travel to and from schools, especially in areas that often have more significant weather-related issues like ice and flooding.