Tuesday’s threat of severe weather led to the closures of several government agencies, schools and clinics in Southwest Louisiana as residents hunkered down in preparation for heavy rainfall and strong winds.

All Calcasieu, Beauregard, Allen, Jeff Davis and Vernon schools were the first to announce early dismissals, releasing students mid-morning to give bus riders the chance to get home before severe winds — with expected gusts up to 55 mph in early forecasts — were set to arrive in the region.

Lake Charles and Sulphur city halls also closed early and Tuesday’s scheduled Lake Charles City Council meeting has been rescheduled.

Sowela Technical Community College released their students as early as 2 p.m. at their multiple campuses.

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital closed some of its clinic and outpatient services Tuesday and contacted patients to reschedule Tuesday afternoon appointments. Dynamic Dimensions Fitness Centers in Moss Bluff and Sulphur also closed early.

All Calcasieu Parish Police Jury departments closed at  1 p.m. ahead of the weather threat.