A tornado watch has been issued for Buckingham, Cumberland and Prince Edward counties through 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Prince Edward County Public Schools will closed Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Fuqua School closed 12:45 Wednesday “due to threat of high winds, heavy rains and tornadoes. All after school activities are canceled,” Fuqua spokeswoman Linda Davis said.

“We are closing at 1:00 p.m. today due to the threat of severe weather,” said Division Superintendent Dr. Davis Smith. “After school and evening events are cancelled.”

Smith said the school board’s budget work session scheduled for Wednesday is now rescheduled for March 2 at 5:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service is predicting strong storms and heavy rain this afternoon for much of Southside Virginia.

All after school activities have been canceled in Buckingham, Cumberland and Prince Edward county.