For the most part, school systems and academies throughout the region dismissed their students early Thursday in response to the severe weather that raced through the area.

Meadowview Christian and Ellwood Christian each dismissed their students at noon, while Cathedral Academy let loose at 12:30 p.m.

Morgan Academy — which was the first area school to announce their plans — let students out at 1 p.m. Joining Morgan at the 1 p.m. time was all of the schools in the Lowndes County School System.

Perry County Schools let out at noon, while both Dallas County and Selma City Schools decided to keep their children in school.

Expected to hit the area between noon and 6 p.m., the line of severe thunderstorms picked up speed Thursday morning, coming into the area earlier than forecasted, causing significant downpours between 11 a.m. and noon.